Transgender teen films school staff breaking into her cubicle in girls' toilet

But principal says viral video 'significantly misrepresents' what happened - and hints there are other reasons why staff felt compelled to act

(Facebook)

A transgender teenager whose claims she was not allowed to use a female toilet at school have gone viral is “significantly misrepresenting the situation,” the principal has said.

The youngster sparked outrage across social media when she posted a video apparently showing staff at Osseo Senior High in Minnesota forcing open a cubicle door while she sat inside.

A female teacher uses a metre ruler to reach over the stall door and unlock the sliding bolt. At least one police officer is also present.

Although staff appear to go out of their way to remain calm, turning away from the teenager once the door is open, she claims the action is “violating” her. She repeatedly calls them "perverts".

The video – and a second clip later showing her being asked to leave school grounds – achieved almost a million views on Facebook, where the student posted them with the comment: “I Guess I Can't Use The Girls Bathroom Just Because I'm Transgender”.

But neither of the videos – or the girl’s comments – offered any context for the situation. They do not explain why police are present in the first place.

Michael Lehan, principal at Osseo, said it was entirely false to suggest any student had been barred from using any bathroom.

He said it was school policy that staff only intervene in restrooms where there are safety concerns or suspected illegal activity taking place.

“I am aware of social media posts that significantly misrepresent an incident that occurred at school on November 28,” he wrote in a statement. “It's important for you to know that no students were barred or banned from using any bathroom at Osseo Senior High.

“I sincerely wish I could say more, but for data privacy reasons, I cannot provide details about a situation involving a specific student.”

Activists, apparently not concerned with understanding the context, said the video showed better treatment of transgender students was needed in schools.

OutFront Minnesota, the state’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organisation, issued a statement, saying: “It is imperative for students to be respected and affirmed in schools to thrive.

“When students feel bullied or invalidated for being who they are, their ability to learn and thrive in school is greatly diminished. It is the job of school districts, faculty and educators to provide spaces where Minnesota youth feel safe and welcome and are encouraged to live their full identities.”