Colorado mother questions transgender guideline change

DENVER -- Jenna is the mother of a 10-year-old transgender daughter, Jude.

"When somebody as high up as the president says that we're not going to support this, it makes me a little fearful because I think a lot of our country looks towards that leadership,” she said.

In Colorado, students can use whichever bathroom in school they feel most comfortable. But that's not the case nationwide, something that has Jenna concerned.

"The kids in Colorado are protected, but I think about the kids that aren't protected," she said.

The Colorado policy has been challenged.

In 2013, the Colorado Civil Rights Division ruled in favor of a 6-year-old transgender girl who was barred from using the girl's bathroom at her school in Fountain.

Critics feel the accommodations could make some students feel uncomfortable when changing or using a restroom.

“I think there's a fear around it because people don't understand," Jenna said. “I don't know why she was born this way, but what I know is I love her. And I accept her and the people that are around us love her and accept her for who she is," she said.

The decision is also drawing reaction from Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family.

“Focus on the Family supports the reversal of the policy which returns decision-making regarding how to ensure the privacy and safety of students back to the states, where it belongs.  The protection of all public school students is critical and those policies are best determined at the local school level, with parental input,” said  Carrie Earll, vice president of government and public policy.