The Francis Howell School District board has been at the center of controversy as they consider policies that would impact transgender students and classroom discussions on gender identity. The latest developments from an August 15 meeting show that the board has once again delayed voting on a policy that would require transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms based on the sex listed on their birth certificate. This decision comes after the board previously tabled the proposal last October, amidst objections from various stakeholders.
In addition to the bathroom policy, the board also voted in favor of a policy that prohibits teachers from discussing gender identity in the classroom. This move has sparked further debate among students, parents, and teachers within the district. The proposed policy states that parents and guardians could request accommodations for students to change clothing before or after physical education classes, but does not consider using facilities designated for the opposite sex as a reasonable accommodation.
One of the key figures in this ongoing debate is Becky Hormuth, a teacher and parent of a transgender student, who has been vocal in her opposition to the policy changes. Hormuth has threatened legal action against the district, arguing that the policies would deprive her son and others of their basic needs and rights. She emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and the legal implications of discriminatory policies.
While some board members support the proposed policies, others like Steven Blair, who is not part of the conservative majority, have raised concerns about the legality and potential consequences of such measures. Blair points out that similar bathroom policies in other districts have faced legal challenges and have been overturned in favor of the plaintiffs.
Apart from the transgender bathroom policy, the board is also considering other controversial measures, such as requiring board approval for every book purchased or donated in the district. Additionally, residents would be allowed to challenge books and learning materials, leading to a lengthy review process. The board is also set to vote on banning books that contain explicit content, normalized drug and alcohol use, profanity, and harmful behavior.
These policy changes come on the heels of the board’s efforts to modify the district’s Black history and literature courses, which culminated in the removal of social justice standards developed by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The decisions made by the Francis Howell School District board have sparked intense debate and raised questions about inclusivity, diversity, and academic freedom within the district. The outcome of these votes will have far-reaching implications for students, teachers, and the community at large.