School official appeals job removal after trans boy harassed

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A West Virginia assistant principal accused of harassing a transgender student is appealing a decision to remove him from his job after this school year.

WBOY-TV reports an attorney for Lee Livengood asked the Harrison County Board of Education to reconsider last week’s vote not to renew Livengood’s contract at the end of a three-year probationary period.

In November, Livengood allegedly followed transgender teenager Michael Critchfield into the boys bathroom at Liberty High School and said, “You freak me out.” Critchfield said Livengood also ordered him prove his gender by using a urinal.

Livengood’s attorney, Alex Shook, says his client was unaware of Critchfield’s gender identity and was not told of an arrangement Critchfield had with the principal to use the boys restrooms.

The American Civil Liberties Union is seeking diversity training in the county.

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Information from: WBOY-TV, http://www.wboy.com