A transgender prevented from sheltering in the locker rooms during a safety exercise at the school

A transgender student was barred from using the boys 'or girls' locker room during an emergency exercise at a Virginia college last week, according to an LGBTQ rights group.

The group, Equality Stafford, stated that the student, who introduces herself as a girl, was prevented from using one of the locker rooms during her physical education class, while the teachers "were discussing where she should go," according to an article on Facebook.

"The student was forced to watch the adults in charge of her care and discuss the safest place (for other students) to be accommodated," the message continues. "During this debate, she was instructed to sit in the gym with a teacher until the end of the exercise, away from her peers and identified as different."

The unidentified girl was subsequently ordered to sit in the hallway of a locker room after further deliberation by school officials, according to the group.

"This happened because the child, in addition to being a role model, happens to be also transgender," he added. "During an event preparing children to survive an assailant attack, she was treated as if she constituted a danger to her comrades to the point of leaving her exposed and vulnerable.

A spokeswoman for Stafford County Public Schools declined to comment on some incidents, citing the desire to avoid disclosing confidential information.

"However, the new Director General has called for a review of all protocols and procedures to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect," spokeswoman Sherrie Johnson told WUSA in a statement. "We take these issues very seriously and they will be resolved. The well-being of all students is of utmost importance to SCPS. "

Johnson refused to indicate whether the student should have been allowed to use the girls' locker room because she identified herself as a girl, only stating that the district's security policies and procedures would be reviewed.

Equality Stafford is asking parents and others to attend a school council meeting on Tuesday night.

"We need you to lend your voice to the growing cry," continued the group's Facebook posting. "It's unacceptable, it can not happen to one more child. Not one more in the county. Never again.

Lesley Woods, who works as an animator for the LGBTQ group, said the incident was "not new" for the girl and her family.

"They are a strong family and very supportive of their child, and they really support the community," Woods told WTTG. "So I would say that overall, the rest of us are shocked, dismayed and motivated to come talk and learn. But this family is their everyday life.