Part of the order reads, "Children should be able to learn without worrying about whether they will be denied access to the restroom, the locker room, or school sports."
LGBTQ groups celebrated the president's action as conservatives warned it could complicate traditional school sports.
Dr. Elizabeth Gregory is the director of the Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies Program at the University of Houston. She said the executive order will create conversations about how best to include everyone regardless of their gender identity.
"First of all, it doesn't require much of anything. It's a very general statement of non-discrimination principles in all spheres. It requires that all federal agencies or agencies that receive federal funds review their policies and make sure they are equitable either by revising them or making new policies," said Gregory. "Most school sports are not high-level competition. It's about being on the field, getting exercise, and being yourself in the way you feel comfortable. It's important for physical and mental health. That's where the big impact of this will fall"