Story perspectives

OCR probes Buncombe, Cabarrus schools over transgender bathrooms

7/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) opened investigations into Buncombe and Cabarrus County schools over transgender bathroom use.
Critics say the probes aim to compel adoption of President Donald Trump’s narrow Title IX reading.
District officials pledged cooperation while saying they provide safe, private facilities for all students.
Lambda Legal’s Nicholas Hite warned investigations rely on anecdotal reports and ignore 2016 Fourth Circuit ruling on transgender bathroom access.

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Story summary

The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) opened investigations into Buncombe and Cabarrus County schools over transgender bathroom use.
Critics say the probes aim to compel adoption of President Donald Trump’s narrow Title IX reading.
District officials pledged cooperation while saying they provide safe, private facilities for all students.
Lambda Legal’s Nicholas Hite warned investigations rely on anecdotal reports and ignore 2016 Fourth Circuit ruling on transgender bathroom access.