Transgender student suing school board

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The family of a transgender student in Florida is taking on a school district, claiming their child is being treated unfairly on campus.  Now, they are suing the Volusia County Public Schools.

According to the lawsuit, the child involved is a 15-year-old sophomore.  He was born a girl, but transitioned into a boy starting in the second grade.  The high school gave the student his own bathroom, but he wants to use the men's bathroom.  As a result, the family says he has endured isolation and humiliation.

"They're not really making special accommodations," explains the family's attorney, Asaf Orr.  "They're excluding him, they're finding ways to justify their discrimination, they're saying 'Look, we can't treat you like all the other boys, but we're going to give you this other thing.'  The problem is that it made him feel different."

The lawsuit also states that gym class is a big issue for this student, claiming the student has been directed to take gym classes online and change in a separate building. 

Orr says it has caused stress and anxiety for his client.  Some parents we spoke with say the school went above and beyond to accommodate the student, and they think the lawsuit it frivolous.

"I think that's making a really good intention with trying to move forward with this transgender thing. I don't think the parents fighting back against the schools right now is the best move," says a parent, named Sarah. "They should be appreciative. Like, the school is actually trying."

The school district would not comment on the lawsuit for now.