HACC student sues over rest room suspension

by PETE SHELLEM, Of The Patriot-News

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is investigating a complaint filed by a transsexual woman against Harrisburg Area Community College, claiming she was suspended for not using a unisex bathroom.

Shannon Powers, director of communications for the commission, confirmed a complaint by Jamie Nicole Anderson against the Lancaster campus of HACC was filed Oct. 16. She said the agency began its investigation last month.

Because it is under investigation, Powers said she could not reveal details of the complaint. However, according to published reports, Anderson is a male-to-female transgendered student who was studying nursing at HACC.

The program required students to change into hospital scrubs, and Anderson was using the female locker room. She said she was suspended for three days for insubordination when she continued to use the locker room after being instructed to use the unisex bathroom, the report said.

If a commission inquiry determines the school is violating the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act, the commission will attempt to mediate a resolution.

If that fails, the case would go before a public hearing officer, who can make recommendations that might include financial damages.