S.C. student privacy law expands requirements for school restrooms, facilities
S.C. student privacy law expands requirements for school restrooms, facilities
https://www.wbtv.com/2026/05/21/new-south-carolina-school-restroom-law-draws-praise-pushback/
Publish Date: 2026-05-21 17:02:00
Source Domain: www.wbtv.com
YORK COUNTY, S.C. (WBTV) – A new bill signed into law in South Carolina puts strict gender requirements on school restrooms and facilities. Some see this as a law that will protect students, while others believe this is setting up certain students to be targeted.
“It was a great feeling of accomplishment for all the students in our state,” said Rep. April Cromer of District 6.
“We’ve got parents who are scared for their children,” said Brian Ballard an LGBTQ community advocate and Rock Hill PRIDE organizer.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed the bill requiring public schools and institutions to address gender and facilities. South Carolina schools have been required to separate restrooms and other facilities for some time, saying that a person’s gender at birth determines which facility they could use.
Rep. Cromer said this is something she’s pursued for years after hearing concerns about privacy and safety from parents across the state.
“This is about protecting all students and making sure that all students’ dignity and privacy is protected. It’s not ostracizing anyone. It’s just making sure that everyone is protected with just common sense legislation,” said Rep. Cromer.
Now, the law also requires schools to have single-user restrooms and accommodations; civil action can be taken against schools; and if they don’t meet the requirements, they risk losing 25% of funds from the General Assembly.
Ballard worries it will promote bullying.
“I experienced bullying as a kid. This is worse. This is a long-term mental health issue,” Ballard said.
Ballard said bullying is the leading cause of self-harm among LGBTQ youth, even more so for trans children. 2025 data from The Trevor Project found 36% of LGBTQ youth considered suicide, including 40% of trans and nonbinary youth.
Rep. Cromer said this law is about everyone’s protection.
“It’s not about hate, it’s just about protecting everyone’s rights, and we can have conversations…
