The country's mind has been in the toilet the past few weeks - that is, which toilet who should use, where. North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory's decision to sign a law, in March, that requires public employees and students at public universities to use bathrooms that match the sex indicated on that person's birth certificate (suggesting said certificate should be on his or her person at all times) has managed to turn what should be a non-issue into a major social issue.

To clarify students' rights at all levels of schooling, the US Departments of Education and Justice released guidance for schools on May 13 to see that all students, including transgender students, can attend school in an environment free from discrimination based on sex.

This was immediately challenged with a federal lawsuit filed in the US District Court for Northern District of Texas, and includes Georgia, Utah, Texas, Alabama, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, the Arizona Department of Education, Maine Governor Paul LePage and two school districts. Calling it a "massive social experiment, flouting the democratic process," the lawsuit seeks "declaratory relief against the United States" and a long list of others.

Additionally, on May 19, Republican legislators in Oklahoma not only filed opposition to the Obama administration's guidance to schools on bathroom use by transgender students, but called for President Obama's impeachment, saying his guidance was a federal overreach.

It is hardly an overreach when protection against sex discrimination in schools is already in place. It is called Title IX, and since 1972 it has worked to see that young men and women attending federally funded schools have the same opportunities. It has always included the transgender status. Title IX has worked to promote equal opportunities. That those opportunities would have to be applied to a room addressing a basic need is probably beyond - but not exclusive of - what was imagined for Title IX protections nearly 45 years ago.

It is good to see that Connecticut's Governor Dannel Malloy, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman and US Senator Chris Murphy have added their voices in support of all students' rights.

Newtown Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, has said, as well, that the environment of respect promoted in our schools gives him confidence that adhering to these guidelines will not be an issue. It is comforting to know that in this town, differences are accepted and accommodated, with respect to all students' needs.

When nature calls, which gender-specific bathroom to use should not be at the forefront of anyone's mind. Gender-neutral restrooms, already a given in many public places, would resolve the issue.

Privacy fears surrounding potty breaks can be addressed, and fears of molesters lurking are largely imagined. Laws exist for protection from inappropriate behavior, wherever it occurs.

Bathroom stalls in schools and public places are installed with doors that ensure privacy. That is a privacy that should be respected, and not inspected.