South Carolina lawmakers reached a final decision Wednesday, April 15, 2026, passing a measure that mandates students in all public schools and universities use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with the gender listed on their original birth certificates.
The legislation, which moved through the General Assembly after months of vigorous debate, applies to every public educational institution in the state, from primary schools through the university system.
Proponents of the measure maintain that the new requirements are essential for protecting the privacy and safety of female students. Advocates argued during the legislative process that the bill ensures sex-segregated spaces remain private and prevents biological males from entering areas designated for women.
The bill has faced significant pushback from civil rights organizations and advocacy groups. Opponents, including the ACLU of South Carolina, contend that the policy is discriminatory and specifically targets transgender and non-binary students. Critics argue that forcing students to use facilities that do not align with their gender identity poses risks to their mental health and physical safety, potentially creating a hostile environment within the state’s educational system.
With the General Assembly’s approval, the bill has officially left the legislature and is now headed to Governor Henry McMaster’s desk. Given his previous public support for similar policies, the Governor is expected to sign the measure into law.
If signed, school districts across South Carolina will be required to update their facility policies to ensure compliance with the new state standards for the upcoming academic terms.
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