Parents of transgender students concerned about bathroom directive

Dallas - Parents of transgender students gathered to voice their concerns Sunday over how their children will be treated at school when it comes to the transgender bathroom directive.

“Simple things like going to the bathroom should not be stressful, should not be an ordeal. My son is a boy. There should be no controversy in him using the boys' bathroom. This is not a real issue, and I urge Texans to join me and tell our elected officials to stop bullying our children,” said Jennifer Campisi.

With the start of school around the corner, parents of transgender students say they want their children to be able to use the bathroom without fear or being targeted.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and a dozen other states are in the midst of fighting the issue in federal court.

The lawsuit is on behalf of a small school district near Wichita Falls, but it could make waves for other school districts across the country, depending on what the judge decides.

Paxton and 12 other states are fighting an order from the Departments of Justice and Education under the Obama Administration issued back in May, telling public schools they have to let students use the gender bathroom they identify with or risk losing federal funding.

Sunday six families with transgender students spoke to Fox 4, many saying they don’t want their kids used as political pawns on this issue.

“As a parent, I will continue to embrace this living son, vs trying to keep the memories of a daughter. Finally to the leaders of the state of Texas, you can take the next steps to make life easier for these kids,” said Ken Ballard.

On Friday, Paxton argued the case in front of a federal judge in Fort Worth. Paxton’s office released a statement about the suit saying in part:

“This President is attempting to rewrite the laws that were enacted by the elected representatives of the people, and is using the threat of losing federal funding to get schools to conform; that cannot be allowed to continue. The Obama Administration's directive unlawfully invades areas that are better left to local schools and parents to balance the needs of students."

The judge in the case is expected to make a decision this month.