Las Vegans react strongly to debate over federal school bathroom directive — VIDEO

Reactions to Friday’s White House directive that transgender students should be able to choose the school restrooms and locker rooms they use based on their gender identity ran the gamut, but most of the people randomly surveyed in Las Vegas felt strongly one way or the other.

Michelle Hutchins Buxton, a New Hampshire native who has lived in Henderson for two years, said children should be able to choose the restroom they use.

“At least by middle school, high school, they know who they are, usually. And I don’t think you should tell them who they are,” Hutchins Buxton said. “They should be able to use whichever restroom they feel comfortable using.”

Hutchins Buxton, who has two school-age children, said restroom stalls provide enough privacy for everyone.

“You have your own private space,” she said.

Ivan Deanda, 18, a student at Clark High School, took issue with the Obama administration guidance.

“It could feel a little sketchy to some women if you’re a male and you go into the women’s restroom,” Deanda said. “And it is something that is very controversial right now but I feel like if you have the parts, maybe you should go to that restroom.”

The topic has come up in Deanda’s English class, where students were told that if they don’t feel comfortable using a gender-assigned restroom, they can use one in the nurse’s office, he said.

“I feel like that’s OK and it doesn’t put too much stress on each person,” Deanda said. “There isn’t a sign that says men or women. It seems pretty neutral.”

Victor Fragnito of Phoenix said it doesn’t bother him one way or the other which restrooms transgender people use, but he does have an issue with government interference.

“I don’t want government in my life, one way or the other. I think the kids are mature enough to handle it,” Fragnito said. “I mean, we make a big thing out of everything in this country … It’s a political year. What do you expect?”

Ricky Plair of North Las Vegas called the White House directive, which he heard about through media reports Friday morning, a “shocker.” He has three daughters, two of whom are school-age.

“You also got to wonder about boys who are trying to be girly to get inside a girls’ bathroom,” Plair said. “What about that? So that’s my main concern.”

Plair would prefer there be a designated restroom for transgender people, rather than people being able to choose the a restroom based on their gender identity, he said.

“This matter is horrific. For us to argue about the bathrooms, really?” Plair said. “If you’re a boy you go in the boys’ bathroom. Girls go in the girls’ bathroom. Simple as that.”

Plair said he doesn’t think schools that don’t comply with the directive should lose out on any federal funding in the future.

“That means they’re playing God,” Plair said. “It’s as simple as that.”

Taylor Winningham of Arizona also said it’s unfair to have schools’ compliance affect funding. But he doesn’t have any issue with the directive itself.

“I think that that’s fine,” Winningham said. “I think they should be able to use whichever restroom that they feel they’re accustomed to.”

Contact Jamie Munks at jmunks@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354. Find @JamieMunksRJ on Twitter.