Downey Unified School District settles transgender discrimination complaint

DOWNEY, Calif (KABC) -- The Downey Unified School District has settled a lawsuit alleging that it discriminated against a transgender student back in 2011.

The student claims she was disciplined for wearing makeup, verbally harassed by other children, discouraged from speaking about her gender identity and encouraged to change schools.

The voluntary agreement, which was reached on Tuesday, states that the district will "ensure that gender nonconforming and transgender students can participate fully in the District's programs and activities in a safe, educational environment."

The school district has committed to undertake 10 specific steps to make sure students feel comfortable and safe. According to the Department of Education, these steps include the hiring of a consultant with expertise on child and adolescent gender identity, and the removal from the student's record of all disciplinary measures taken against her during the 2011-2012 school year.

City News Service contributed to this report.