Today the Obama administration issued guidance on trans-gendered school bathroom usage. The guidance instructs schools to allow students to use the restrooms that match their gender identity.

While the guidance does not carry legal weight, it was clear that schools will not be allowed to discriminate against student based upon their gender identity: “Our guidance sends a clear message to transgender students across the country: here in America, you are safe, you are protected and you belong – just as you are,” wrote Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

The guidance does contain an implied threat of lawsuits and loss of federal aid for those not abiding.

So what does this have to do with Christian Schools?

Nothing…yet.

Under the current administration, it is very possible that there will be a push to force this upon all schools. With the death of Justice Scalia, the court is no longer balanced and no longer favors conservative views. Therefore, appeals to the Supreme Court may very well not yield the relief conservatives may seek.

What is clear in the guidance, federal funding can be impacted. Schools that utilize School Readiness, Century 21 grants, or other federal mechanisms for funding, even though they are administered at the state level, could see actions taken against their schools. Schools should weigh the benefits and potential impact of such funding.

Federal Funds used by Christian Schools

Below is a list of the funds that are available to private Christian Schools.

    • Title I – Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged
      • Improving Basic Programs Operated by LEAs [Part A]
      • Reading First [Part B, Subpart 1]
      • Even Start Family Literacy [Part B, Subpart 3]
      • Migrant Education [Part C]
    • Title II – Preparing, Training and Recruiting High-quality Teachers and Principals
      • Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund [Part A]
      • Mathematics and Science Partnerships [Part B]
      • Enhancing Education Through Technology [Part D]
    • Title III – Language Instruction for LEP and Immigrant Students
      • English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, & Academic Achievement [Part A]
    • Title IV – 21st Century Schools
      • Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities [Part A]
      • 21st Century Community Learning Centers [Part B]
    • Title V – Promoting Informed Parental Choice and Innovative Programs
      • Innovative Programs [Part A]
      • Gifted and Talented Students [Part D, Subpart 6]

[button size=”large” type=”normal” style=”square” color=”primary” icon=”” new_window=”yes” link=”http://www2.ed.gov/nclb/choice/schools/privbenefits/index.html”]View Federal Programs[/button]

Other Federal Funds

CCDBG Funds. These funds are federal streams that come from the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 (CCDBG) and are most commonly referred to as School Readiness funds, or Kindergarten Readiness Funds. Check with your local or state agency to determine if the funds you receive are state funded or federally funded.

[button size=”large” type=”normal” style=”square” color=”primary” icon=”” new_window=”yes” link=”https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/1086″]View CCDBG[/button]

LCS President Dennis Robinson noted that the temperature of the water keeps rising—it is only a matter of time before we lose all outside funding or comply with federal requirements in admissions and hiring/staff practices.  After that it is only a matter of time until we face inordinate pressure to comply in the form of civil litigation (e.g. Bob Jones University’s fight against integration) to the point that we will eventually compromise or close. We must be ready to absorb whatever changes come down the pipe and continue to minister.  One thing the Lord keeps consistently speaking to me is this: “where sin abounded grace did much more abound.” The preponderance of sinful behavior and the encouragement of the same by corrupt governments will only increase the end-time revival.  We must be positioned to take advantage of it.  “Men will revile you, persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.” Matthew 5.11.  That’s what is approaching, indeed in many instances is here.  The times are both frightening and exciting at the same time.  Many will fall away, but many more will receive the gospel.  Amen, come Lord Jesus!