Chicago judge hears arguments in transgender access case

CHICAGO -- A federal magistrate judge in Chicago is hearing arguments as he decides whether to grant a preliminary injunction that would stop transgender students from using girls' locker rooms and restrooms in a suburban school district.

A group of parents and conservative groups suing the Department of Education and Palatine-based Township High School District 211 claims the privacy rights of their children are being "trampled", and that the school has created a "hostile environment" by allowing a transgender student to use restrooms and locker rooms that match the gender they identify with.

One transgender student at William Fremd High School in the district helped draw attention to the issue nationally last year.

The school installed private curtains and stalls to accommodate the student. The Department of Education said that is not good enough and is arguing that accommodations made must be equal to all other students.

The school district, which began the school year on Monday, said it supports the identity of all of their students.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois has represented the student. It insists that the vast majority of students and parents support the policy.

The judge said he will take his time hearing from both sides and will not make a decision on Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.