Despite a federal reversal in protections regarding transgender students, School District U46 officials have no plans to change current policy.
A majority of school board members on Monday night reaffirmed their support for district guidance allowing transgender students to use locker rooms and bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity.
"They are not abnormal, they are not dysphoric, they are transgender," said board member Veronica Noland. "Just as we accept lesbians and gays, we need to accept transgender students and protect them."
The contentious topic was resurrected last week as the Trump administration reversed Obama-era protections.
Board member Jeanette Ward repeated similar language she posted last week on social media, saying the board should reconsider its current stance, which earlier in the school year galvanized local critics and supporters.
Board meetings in the fall turned into marathon sessions as public speakers testified on the matter for hours, the majority of them speaking against the district’s transgender policy. Ultimately, the board stayed put, not changing policy and the district released guidance on the matter to further clarify where it stood.
"Since Obama’s unconstitutional ‘Dear colleague’ letter can no longer be used to justify allowing de facto co-ed restrooms and locker rooms, I would like us to craft a policy that protects the privacy and safety of all students," Ward said.
Area schools won’t change transgender policies despite federal reversal Rafael Guerrero
The reversal of federal guidelines regarding transgender student rights will not change how local school districts address the issue, officials emphasized this week, with many saying they will work with families to protect students in each situation.
“Part of that work is to ensure that a student…
The reversal of federal guidelines regarding transgender student rights will not change how local school districts address the issue, officials emphasized this week, with many saying they will work with families to protect students in each situation.
“Part of that work is to ensure that a student…
(Rafael Guerrero)
Two other members, Cody Holt and Phil Costello, wanted the topic considered at a future board meeting. But the majority felt enough was enough, and that current policy should stand.
"Right now, I would say that we aren’t going to look at this," said president Donna Smith. "(Let’s) just leave our policy the same and we move forward with the guidelines in each individual case. We’re just going to have to agree to disagree."
CEO Tony Sanders posted similar sentiments on his personal Facebook page Sunday.
"I would like to express my continued support for all U46 students, which is supported by our board’s anti-discrimination policies," he wrote.
raguerrero@tribpub.com
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