CHICAGO » The U.S. Department of Education says a suburban Chicago school district is violating the rights of a transgender student in refusing to allow her unrestricted use of a girls’ locker room.

The student filed a federal complaint against Palatine Township School District 211, asking for access to the locker room without limits. The district had proposed a compromise that would allow access, but require the student to change and shower in a separate area.

Education Department Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon on Monday said District 211 is not following the law because the district continues to deny a female student the right to use the girls’ locker room.

Lhamon went on to day the district can provide access to the student while also respecting all students’ privacy.

In a statement, Superintendent Daniel Cates says District 211 does not agree with the Education Department’s stance.