A North Carolina father, Brandon Matthews, is taking legal action against his children’s school district. He claims the district has not answered whether biological males can use the same restrooms as his fourth-grade daughter. Matthews’ daughter goes to Mount Pleasant Elementary School, while his son is entering his senior year at Mount Pleasant High School. He requested that principals notify him if any member of the opposite biological sex is allowed to use facilities used by his children.
According to Matthews’ lawsuit, filed in a federal court, he has yet to receive a clear response. His lawyer, Nicholas Barry from America First Legal Foundation, states that Matthews is entitled to know if his daughter’s bathroom is shared with males. However, the principals’ responses emphasize student confidentiality.
“Brandon Matthews does not currently know whether a male is using his fourth grade daughter’s bathroom,” Barry tells Fox News Digital. “And does he have a constitutional right to know that? We say ‘yes.'”
Matthews’ concerns aren’t new; they preceded the lawsuit. At a school board meeting on May 11, he voiced his opinion, advocating for separate bathrooms for boys and girls. His daughter also expressed discomfort at the idea of boys using the girls’ bathroom.
The principals of both schools responded on June 8, highlighting confidentiality and assuring Matthews that he could discuss any arising concerns with the school. Barry argues this was not an answer to Matthews’ query.
Matthews’ legal action not only seeks answers but asks a federal judge to mandate the district to disclose policies on bathroom access. His Christian beliefs hold that sex is unchangeable and his children should not undress or use restrooms around the opposite sex.
In an additional move, Matthews pursued a preliminary injunction for policy disclosure. The lawsuit hinges on the argument that school policies should be transparent to parents. Matthews’ attorneys put emphasis on a Supreme Court decision as a precedent for requiring notice and opt-out options.
Alongside America First Legal Foundation, Matthews is challenging the district in a case that may have implications beyond Cabarrus County. “Schools around the country may need to disclose policies to parents and allow them to opt out,” Barry suggests.
Matthews does not allege that a biological male has used his daughter’s restroom. The lawsuit focuses instead on the right to know whether his children might face such situations. Cabarrus County Schools has not immediately responded to questions on this issue.