Hersheypark: Transgender Individuals Can Use Restroom Of Choice

Hersheypark has taken a progressive stance on the transgender restroom issue that is currently raging across the nation: individuals will be able to use the restroom of the gender with which they identify.

The park, based in Dauphin County outside of Harrisburg, said that they receive more than six million guests from Pennsylvania and from around the world every year.

"We recognize that the more perspectives we have within our company, the more welcoming we are to all those who visit and seek employment here," said Kathleen McGraw, the Director of Communications at Hersheypark, in a statement. "In fact, our company has four core values, one of which is 'respectful of others,'which we define as treating all people with dignity, while respecting their differences and ideas."

The debate over transgender individuals reached a fever pitch across the country recently due to an argument between the federal government and North Carolina, and President Obama's recent letter to schools on the issue.

The letter provided guidelines on how transgender students should be accommodated and threatening a loss of federal funds for schools that don't allow students to use restrooms with which they gender-identify.

The issue has also spilled over into the private sector, most notably with Target.

"For decades, Hersheypark has been dedicated to the safety and security of our guest and employees. It is foundational to our brand," Hershey's statement continued. Additionally, the Park has and will always strive to accommodate all guests and employees – including members of the LGBT community – to ensure those visiting or working at Hersheypark are comfortable and feel secure."

To see more information on Hersheypark's Diversity and Inclusion practices, see here.

The park is located at 100 Hersheypark Drive in Hershey.