Danette O'Neal, PhD

 The world in which we work is changing fast. Don’t be caught not knowing, or committing a fair housing violation.  Transgender Bathroom Access: What Should a Property Manager Do?

One issue that gained national attention in 2016 is how to address questions surrounding transgender bathrooms – and specifically, who gets to use which restroom. One such case has even made it to the U.S. Supreme Court. The case of Gloucester County School Board v. G.G. involves a transgender male student and his fight to use the bathroom of his choosing. While the Court plans to hear arguments in the future, business owners and property managers are scrambling to ensure they are in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws in offering appropriate accommodations for the transgender community.

IREM has just updated its Gender Identity Discrimination in Public Accommodations white paper, (http://www.irem.org/File%20Library/Public%20Policy/TransgenderWhitepaper.pdf)  filled with information on transgender bathroom rights, various statutes requiring accommodations, and suggested strategies for accommodation. Of course, laws are ever-changing so please be sure to check all local and state laws when drawing up various policies.

If you are concerned about this issue, check out IREM’s public policy programs, including our new Federal Action Center and State and Local Action Center which allow you to have your voice heard by your elected representatives with just a click of a button. The world in which we work is changing fast. Don’t be caught not knowing, or committing a fair housing violation.