Transgender students' rights long in place at schools

(AP) — Connecticut transgender students not only can use the bathroom of their choice, but also play on sports teams that match their gender identities, education officials said.

Friday's recommendations on transgender student rights from the Obama administration are nothing new in the state, said Vincent Mustaro, head of policy for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education.

The state passed a law in 2011 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression in all areas and contexts in which the laws already prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex.

The association has recommended since 2013 that schools adopt policies to address transgender students by a name and pronoun that corresponds to the student's gender identities and allow them access to restrooms and locker rooms that match the identities.