District 87 School Board Unanimously Voted to Open Locker Rooms and Restrooms to Members of the Opposite Sex On Tuesday October 15, 2019
The board ignored over 600 community members who signed a petition in opposition to these policy revisions: https://d87community.wixsite.com/d87-community
It can not be stressed enough how important it is for the Board to hear from parents and community members about how disappointed they are at how the board purposely waited to communicate these changes until AFTER the policy & procedures had been approved.
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
It can not be stressed enough how important it is for the Board to hear from parents and community members about how disappointed they are at how the board purposely waited to communicate these changes until AFTER the policy & procedures had been approved.
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
District 87 Betrays Community Again
Please share this update from a parent leader on the transgender policy revisions in D87:
“Thank you to those who were able to come and speak, or attend, the Glenbard D87 Board Meeting this past Tuesday, October 15th. As you may have heard, the Board unanimously passed the procedures supporting the additional sentences to Policy 7:10 - Students shall be treated and supported in a manner consistent with their gender identity. This shall include, but not be limited to: students having access to gendered facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity.
Public comment was majority parents/community opposing this policy and had concerns with the procedures being voted on. Yesterday, October 17th, the below email from Peg Manion was sent to Glenbard parents which includes a link to the D87 Policy Website and also offers a link to FAQs regarding the now approved Transgender Policy and Procedures. This same email has also been sent to each student via your Glenbard Principal this evening on their school iPad/email. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT THIS EMAIL THEY RECEIVED SO YOU MAY DISCUSS YOUR FAMILY VALUES, ETC.
Although this is a good step in communicating to the community, it is upsetting that the board has decided to alert us to these changes AFTER the policy and procedures were passed without appropriate input. We should have been notified back in November 2018 when the Policy Committee agreed to a presentation by the Glenbard Voice of Equity who have been very aggressive in getting D87 Board to revise the original Policy to add the above sentences without input from other point of views.
Since February 2019, parents and community have been asking the board to communicate these changes and alert the public in D87 prior to voting so as to reach as many people as possible for input. Once again, School Board District 87 did not appropriately communicate with parents and community members before it added new wording to Policy 7:10/Procedures 7:10 AP1, etc., which now explicitly allows biological boys to use the bathrooms and locker rooms of biological girls, and vice versa. District 87 Policy 2:240 States: The Superintendent is responsible for notifying those who will be affected by a proposed policy and obtaining their advice and suggestions.
As a reminder, Glenbard High Schools now say that any child who feels uncomfortable sharing private spaces with a person of the opposite sex should use areas with curtains or barriers, whereas the original communication/policy said that the person claiming a gender identity other than their biological sex would be the one required to use alternate accommodations. These changes in District policy should not have been made without a full discussion with parents and community members.
A few points that the FAQs Glenbard D87 Board do not address or mention:
Share this email with other Glenbard parents and taxpayers within D87!
Thank you and God bless.
EMAIL (if copying, there are underlines between names):
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Peg Mannion <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Peg Mannion
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2019 2:58 PM
Subject: Glenbard News for Oct. 17, 2019
“Thank you to those who were able to come and speak, or attend, the Glenbard D87 Board Meeting this past Tuesday, October 15th. As you may have heard, the Board unanimously passed the procedures supporting the additional sentences to Policy 7:10 - Students shall be treated and supported in a manner consistent with their gender identity. This shall include, but not be limited to: students having access to gendered facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity.
Public comment was majority parents/community opposing this policy and had concerns with the procedures being voted on. Yesterday, October 17th, the below email from Peg Manion was sent to Glenbard parents which includes a link to the D87 Policy Website and also offers a link to FAQs regarding the now approved Transgender Policy and Procedures. This same email has also been sent to each student via your Glenbard Principal this evening on their school iPad/email. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT THIS EMAIL THEY RECEIVED SO YOU MAY DISCUSS YOUR FAMILY VALUES, ETC.
Although this is a good step in communicating to the community, it is upsetting that the board has decided to alert us to these changes AFTER the policy and procedures were passed without appropriate input. We should have been notified back in November 2018 when the Policy Committee agreed to a presentation by the Glenbard Voice of Equity who have been very aggressive in getting D87 Board to revise the original Policy to add the above sentences without input from other point of views.
Since February 2019, parents and community have been asking the board to communicate these changes and alert the public in D87 prior to voting so as to reach as many people as possible for input. Once again, School Board District 87 did not appropriately communicate with parents and community members before it added new wording to Policy 7:10/Procedures 7:10 AP1, etc., which now explicitly allows biological boys to use the bathrooms and locker rooms of biological girls, and vice versa. District 87 Policy 2:240 States: The Superintendent is responsible for notifying those who will be affected by a proposed policy and obtaining their advice and suggestions.
As a reminder, Glenbard High Schools now say that any child who feels uncomfortable sharing private spaces with a person of the opposite sex should use areas with curtains or barriers, whereas the original communication/policy said that the person claiming a gender identity other than their biological sex would be the one required to use alternate accommodations. These changes in District policy should not have been made without a full discussion with parents and community members.
A few points that the FAQs Glenbard D87 Board do not address or mention:
- D87 was approached by activists Glenbard Voice of Equity (Pro-Trans Organization) to include this revised policy and gave the BOE suggestions in writing this policy.
- D87 BOE did not reach out to parents or community members that they knew would have serious concerns with these revisions. If they had valued ALL community input in regard to policy development, the BOE would have sent out email alerts like we see this week.
- D87 Current Policy/Procedures will NOT notify parents if their child begins to identify as a gender other than their biological sex.
- The Overnight Form does not guarantee 100% that your child will not be placed in a hotel room with someone of the opposite biological sex.
- The IASB (Illlinois Associations of School Boards) gave recommendations to add these two sentences, but also warned school boards that without proper notification, the addition of these two sentences may cause community to be upset. https://www.iasb.com/about-us/publications/journal/2017/november-december/transgender-students-law,-policy,-and-practice/
- The two added sentences to Policy 7:10 were approved without ANY procedures backing them up in February. D87 Lawyers warned the board that they could open themselves up for lawsuits if they passed the policy revisions without procedures. They passed this anyway.
- D87 BOE chose to add shared spaces which are not legally mandated.
- Call your Glenbard Principal and schedule a tour of locker rooms/bathrooms so you see first hand what the facilities (and curtained areas) look like for your child.
- Email the Glenbard Board of Education (see below emails) with concerns and questions.
- Get engaged in the election of your School Board Members. Next election is April 2021 with four board seats up for election.
- Talk with your children about this issue and how they would handle a person of the opposite sex in their private space.
Share this email with other Glenbard parents and taxpayers within D87!
Thank you and God bless.
EMAIL (if copying, there are underlines between names):
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Peg Mannion <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Peg Mannion
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2019 2:58 PM
Subject: Glenbard News for Oct. 17, 2019
Procedure Recommendations for Transgender Affirming Policy 7:10 Moved to Full Board of Education for First Reading
.The Glenbard District #87 Policy Committee voted to move the transgender affirming policy 7:10 procedures to the full board for a first reading at the upcoming board meeting to be held Monday September 23 at Glenbard West high school (Library) Glen Ellyn. Public comments will be at the beginning of the meeting to hear from parents and community members. Speakers get three minutes to address the board. Minutes of previous Policy Committee meetings can be found here. The board packet for the upcoming board meeting, Monday September 23, should be available for viewing at the district website on Friday September 20.
The petition continues to gather signatures (over 600!) because people in the community were not properly notified about this policy update per board policy 2.240. Petition signatures will be collected until October 8, 2019. Thank you to everyone who signed and/or shared this petition! The petition organizer will be creating a Facebook page at some time in the near future. Stay tuned to this website for updates: https://d87community.wixsite.com/d87-community.
Please come to the upcoming board meetings or atleast email the board to let your voice be heard on this issue. Thank you!
Mark your calendar for these upcoming Board Meetings:
* Monday September 23, 7:00 pm at Glenbard West Library, Glen Ellyn (First Reading)
* Tuesday October 15, 7:00 pm at Technology Center of DuPage, 301 S Swift Rd, Addison, IL (Final Vote)
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
The petition continues to gather signatures (over 600!) because people in the community were not properly notified about this policy update per board policy 2.240. Petition signatures will be collected until October 8, 2019. Thank you to everyone who signed and/or shared this petition! The petition organizer will be creating a Facebook page at some time in the near future. Stay tuned to this website for updates: https://d87community.wixsite.com/d87-community.
Please come to the upcoming board meetings or atleast email the board to let your voice be heard on this issue. Thank you!
Mark your calendar for these upcoming Board Meetings:
* Monday September 23, 7:00 pm at Glenbard West Library, Glen Ellyn (First Reading)
* Tuesday October 15, 7:00 pm at Technology Center of DuPage, 301 S Swift Rd, Addison, IL (Final Vote)
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Petition & Contact D87 Policy Committee and Board with Procedure Recommendations for Policy 7:10
Procedure Recommendations Presented at previous Policy Committee Meetings:
• Terminology and Definitions:
o District 87 Board is using a rescinded recommendation (May 2016 Dept. of Education, Dear Colleague Letter) instead of the current 2017 Dept. of Education guidelines attached here: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/qa-title-ix-201709.pdf. Update and use current Dept. of Education guidelines.
• Relevant Board Policies for Accommodations, Supports, and Inclusion of Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming Students:
o 7:250 - The removal of “problem” and replaced with “needs.” “Needs” seems to suggest “support.” There are many mental health “problems” such as suicidal thoughts, harming oneself such as cutting, violent behaviors, etc. These problems are dangerous to others. Keep “problems” in this policy or change wording to say “problems or needs.”
• Common Needs for Transgender Students and Gender Non-Conforming Students:
o A large portion of this procedure was removed: “Determining appropriate accommodations is difficult because school officials must balance the rights of transgender or gender non-conforming students to freedom from discrimination and freedom of expression, and a right to privacy, with the rights of other students to freedoms of religion and expression, and a right to privacy. The Board Attorney is an indispensable member of the team that will identify accommodations for a specific student.”
This was replaced with: “Determining appropriate accommodations must be made on a case by-case basis depending upon the needs expressed by the student.”
The removed sentence is important to keep for many in our district. “Freedom of religion/expression and right to privacy” shows respect for both sides and people’s personal beliefs.
o Also, in the revised addition, the words “needs expressed by the student” is concerning. The revised sentence gives total control to the student and could pose serious legal issues for staff.
• Locker-room access:
“Transgender students, who wish to undress completely in locker rooms, must have gone thru transition surgery. Biological body parts (penis, vagina, breasts) of born biological male/female shall not be exposed when in biologically defined bathrooms or common area locker room spaces.” (May need to define state of undress)
Other Suggested Policy/Procedures:
6:240-AP1 Administrative Procedure – Student Field Trips
• Add to 6:240 procedure B form signed at beginning of school year or two weeks prior to overnight field trip:
The school must have written approval of a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) before the student may go on a field trip (6:240-E1) as well as written approval of a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) overnight accommodation request to be housed with student of same biological sex or no preference (6:240-E7).
o Overnight trips are very concerning for both students and parents. We need to include a policy to protect any student who would be faced with a situation that could possibly have them assigned to overnight accommodations with someone of the opposite sex.
o Please consider the following procedure addition: “Students attending overnight field trips, who would be more comfortable sharing accommodations with a student of the same biological sex, shall be granted that option by filling out a form two weeks prior to an overnight field trip.”
• There are many students/parents/staff who realize public education is filled with a diverse student body. Unfortunately, some people are bullied for different opinions. Please consider adding to policy: “Students (and Staff) are expected to respect those who identify as LGBT. The board recognizes that based on individual thought or religious practices, students (and staff) will not be bullied by being labeled “homophobic, transphobic” or any other name associated with a difference of opinion.”
• Include Religious PE Exemption. See sample attached from Evanston 202 - 7:760 PE Exemption. (Oak Park River Forest also has similar PE Exemption Policy)
* Include conscience PE Exemption. See American College of Pediatricians Statement on Gender Ideology entitled Gender Ideology Harms Children on the Resources page as an example of conscience objections.
Student Registration Additions at beginning of School Year:
• Include clear and unbiased communication at orientation to the student body regarding options for privacy related to bathrooms and locker rooms. Offer tours of bathrooms (group/single stall) and locker room options (group/single room).
* Eliminate all penalties for students who arrive at class late because they used a private space to relieve themselves, or dress/undress for class.
Gov. Pritzker’s July 1, 2019, EXECUTIVE ORDER STRENGTHENING OUR COMMITMENT TO AFFIRMING AND INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS ONLY creates a task force and should not be used to create procedures until submitted and approved. There is concern that this task force, selected by the Governor, will not include those who have concerns for privacy, fairness (sports) and religious objections.
• Terminology and Definitions:
o District 87 Board is using a rescinded recommendation (May 2016 Dept. of Education, Dear Colleague Letter) instead of the current 2017 Dept. of Education guidelines attached here: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/qa-title-ix-201709.pdf. Update and use current Dept. of Education guidelines.
• Relevant Board Policies for Accommodations, Supports, and Inclusion of Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming Students:
o 7:250 - The removal of “problem” and replaced with “needs.” “Needs” seems to suggest “support.” There are many mental health “problems” such as suicidal thoughts, harming oneself such as cutting, violent behaviors, etc. These problems are dangerous to others. Keep “problems” in this policy or change wording to say “problems or needs.”
• Common Needs for Transgender Students and Gender Non-Conforming Students:
o A large portion of this procedure was removed: “Determining appropriate accommodations is difficult because school officials must balance the rights of transgender or gender non-conforming students to freedom from discrimination and freedom of expression, and a right to privacy, with the rights of other students to freedoms of religion and expression, and a right to privacy. The Board Attorney is an indispensable member of the team that will identify accommodations for a specific student.”
This was replaced with: “Determining appropriate accommodations must be made on a case by-case basis depending upon the needs expressed by the student.”
The removed sentence is important to keep for many in our district. “Freedom of religion/expression and right to privacy” shows respect for both sides and people’s personal beliefs.
o Also, in the revised addition, the words “needs expressed by the student” is concerning. The revised sentence gives total control to the student and could pose serious legal issues for staff.
• Locker-room access:
“Transgender students, who wish to undress completely in locker rooms, must have gone thru transition surgery. Biological body parts (penis, vagina, breasts) of born biological male/female shall not be exposed when in biologically defined bathrooms or common area locker room spaces.” (May need to define state of undress)
Other Suggested Policy/Procedures:
6:240-AP1 Administrative Procedure – Student Field Trips
• Add to 6:240 procedure B form signed at beginning of school year or two weeks prior to overnight field trip:
The school must have written approval of a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) before the student may go on a field trip (6:240-E1) as well as written approval of a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) overnight accommodation request to be housed with student of same biological sex or no preference (6:240-E7).
o Overnight trips are very concerning for both students and parents. We need to include a policy to protect any student who would be faced with a situation that could possibly have them assigned to overnight accommodations with someone of the opposite sex.
o Please consider the following procedure addition: “Students attending overnight field trips, who would be more comfortable sharing accommodations with a student of the same biological sex, shall be granted that option by filling out a form two weeks prior to an overnight field trip.”
• There are many students/parents/staff who realize public education is filled with a diverse student body. Unfortunately, some people are bullied for different opinions. Please consider adding to policy: “Students (and Staff) are expected to respect those who identify as LGBT. The board recognizes that based on individual thought or religious practices, students (and staff) will not be bullied by being labeled “homophobic, transphobic” or any other name associated with a difference of opinion.”
• Include Religious PE Exemption. See sample attached from Evanston 202 - 7:760 PE Exemption. (Oak Park River Forest also has similar PE Exemption Policy)
* Include conscience PE Exemption. See American College of Pediatricians Statement on Gender Ideology entitled Gender Ideology Harms Children on the Resources page as an example of conscience objections.
Student Registration Additions at beginning of School Year:
• Include clear and unbiased communication at orientation to the student body regarding options for privacy related to bathrooms and locker rooms. Offer tours of bathrooms (group/single stall) and locker room options (group/single room).
* Eliminate all penalties for students who arrive at class late because they used a private space to relieve themselves, or dress/undress for class.
Gov. Pritzker’s July 1, 2019, EXECUTIVE ORDER STRENGTHENING OUR COMMITMENT TO AFFIRMING AND INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS ONLY creates a task force and should not be used to create procedures until submitted and approved. There is concern that this task force, selected by the Governor, will not include those who have concerns for privacy, fairness (sports) and religious objections.
How did transgender activists infiltrate and take over school boards across the country? Watch this video for insight:
Petition D87 Board to Reverse Policy 7:10 Revisions
We respectfully request that only Glenbard D87 Parents, Students, D87 Staff and Tax Paying Community Members sign this petition.
You can let the board know your concerns and show that you want a
voice in this policy change. Online and paper petitions are available. You can sign and share this online petition: D87 Online Petition
If you prefer to sign a paper petition, send email to [email protected] to discuss a location to meet or if you would like additional paper petitions to circulate to your friend circles and neighborhood.
You can print and share this paper petition. D87 Paper Petition
You can print and share this paper petition. D87 Paper Petition
Email [email protected] if you have any thoughts with additional ways to make an impact on the board.
Share this petition with as many Glenbard 87 parents and community members as you can and thank you for your support!
Please read the email below which details this mom's concerns with the passage of these policy revisions:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"As some of you have heard, on February 11, 2019, the Glenbard District 87 School Board voted 5-2 in favor of revising Policy 7:10. This revision included the addition of two sentences which state: “Students shall be treated and supported in a manner consistent with their gender identity. This shall include, but not be limited to: students having access to gendered facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity.”
I attended this meeting and voiced my concerns that this policy addition was not communicated to all those affected in order to get their input before being formally adopted. Per Policy 2:240 Board Policy Development: “The Superintendent is responsible for notifying those who will be affected by a proposed policy and obtaining their advice and suggestions.” One member of the board asked if this policy was followed correctly. The board President said it was because the policy changes were posted on the District 87 webpage.
I have spoken to students, parents, D87 staff, etc. who had no idea about this policy change.
Also discussed was the purchase of barriers and curtains for those students who feel uncomfortable changing, etc. in front of a person of the opposite sex who is questioning their gender identity.
The following day, February 12th, after this policy revision, the daily Glenbard email from Peg Mannion titled “Glenbard News,” (sent to parents and current students) mentions in the Board Highlights: Policy 7:10 Educational Opportunities was changed to add the following: "Students shall be treated and supported in a manner consistent with their gender identity. This shall include but not be limited to access to gendered facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity." Glenbard schools, focus on inclusivity and supporting all students in their educational experience. Any student or parent/guardian that would like to request or discuss privacy options should contact their school's Assistant Principal for Student Services.
When I asked Board Secretary to clarify who would have to use alternate privacy options, I was told that our child would be the one who would have to request an alternate locker room or bathroom if someone of the opposite sex would be in her private space.
My goal in reaching out to you is your support working together to request the D87 School Board to revise this policy stating that students who question their identity are the ones who need to use alternate changing or bathrooms areas. It is not right to ask the majority of students who do not questions their gender to find alternate private areas if they are faced with a person of the opposite sex in a gender specific private area.
We are also concerned that these additions to Policy 7:10 are extremely vague and open up biological boys to join girls sports, etc. in which there is competition. Not only is this an unfair advantage, this is extremely dangerous in certain sports.
Please contact me, via email or my cell phone, if you would like to join me and others in this policy change request. Together we can re-create a safe environment for our children. The next D87 Policy Committee and D87 Board Meeting is April 8th.
May I also suggest, if you share in this concern, consider contacting the principal of the Glenbard High School your child attends and request a tour of ALL bathrooms and locker rooms your child would use, to see firsthand what our students will be encountering. If you are a taxpayer and share in this concern, you have a right to request a tour as well to see what the children in your district will have to deal with along with how your tax dollars are being spent (i.e. curtains and barriers).
The attached short video (attached at the bottom of the article) is of a student who encountered a boy in her locker room and was very startled by this. The school board said this was communicated and she shouldn’t have been surprised. Now her family is taking the school district to court. Take a moment to watch this as our children may encounter the same thing.
Honesdale HS Student Lawsuit
Please share with your friends in District 87 as we need as many concerned parents as possible to get the board to listen and make this revision.
God bless all of you and may He keep us strong while standing up for truth."
Linda Samuta
Share this petition with as many Glenbard 87 parents and community members as you can and thank you for your support!
Please read the email below which details this mom's concerns with the passage of these policy revisions:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"As some of you have heard, on February 11, 2019, the Glenbard District 87 School Board voted 5-2 in favor of revising Policy 7:10. This revision included the addition of two sentences which state: “Students shall be treated and supported in a manner consistent with their gender identity. This shall include, but not be limited to: students having access to gendered facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity.”
I attended this meeting and voiced my concerns that this policy addition was not communicated to all those affected in order to get their input before being formally adopted. Per Policy 2:240 Board Policy Development: “The Superintendent is responsible for notifying those who will be affected by a proposed policy and obtaining their advice and suggestions.” One member of the board asked if this policy was followed correctly. The board President said it was because the policy changes were posted on the District 87 webpage.
I have spoken to students, parents, D87 staff, etc. who had no idea about this policy change.
Also discussed was the purchase of barriers and curtains for those students who feel uncomfortable changing, etc. in front of a person of the opposite sex who is questioning their gender identity.
The following day, February 12th, after this policy revision, the daily Glenbard email from Peg Mannion titled “Glenbard News,” (sent to parents and current students) mentions in the Board Highlights: Policy 7:10 Educational Opportunities was changed to add the following: "Students shall be treated and supported in a manner consistent with their gender identity. This shall include but not be limited to access to gendered facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity." Glenbard schools, focus on inclusivity and supporting all students in their educational experience. Any student or parent/guardian that would like to request or discuss privacy options should contact their school's Assistant Principal for Student Services.
When I asked Board Secretary to clarify who would have to use alternate privacy options, I was told that our child would be the one who would have to request an alternate locker room or bathroom if someone of the opposite sex would be in her private space.
My goal in reaching out to you is your support working together to request the D87 School Board to revise this policy stating that students who question their identity are the ones who need to use alternate changing or bathrooms areas. It is not right to ask the majority of students who do not questions their gender to find alternate private areas if they are faced with a person of the opposite sex in a gender specific private area.
We are also concerned that these additions to Policy 7:10 are extremely vague and open up biological boys to join girls sports, etc. in which there is competition. Not only is this an unfair advantage, this is extremely dangerous in certain sports.
Please contact me, via email or my cell phone, if you would like to join me and others in this policy change request. Together we can re-create a safe environment for our children. The next D87 Policy Committee and D87 Board Meeting is April 8th.
May I also suggest, if you share in this concern, consider contacting the principal of the Glenbard High School your child attends and request a tour of ALL bathrooms and locker rooms your child would use, to see firsthand what our students will be encountering. If you are a taxpayer and share in this concern, you have a right to request a tour as well to see what the children in your district will have to deal with along with how your tax dollars are being spent (i.e. curtains and barriers).
The attached short video (attached at the bottom of the article) is of a student who encountered a boy in her locker room and was very startled by this. The school board said this was communicated and she shouldn’t have been surprised. Now her family is taking the school district to court. Take a moment to watch this as our children may encounter the same thing.
Honesdale HS Student Lawsuit
Please share with your friends in District 87 as we need as many concerned parents as possible to get the board to listen and make this revision.
God bless all of you and may He keep us strong while standing up for truth."
Linda Samuta
Glen Ellyn District #87 Surrenders to LGBTQ Activists
Glen Ellyn District #87 surrendered to LGBTQ activists at their February 11, 2019 meeting, changing Equal Educational Opportunities policy 7:10, and will now treat and support students in a manner consistent with their gender identity. This will include but not be limited to students having access to gendered facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity. Sadly, 5 members of the District #87 board voted to participate in and encourage the mental delusions of children. The board voted:
- Jendras NO
- Heim NO
- Weinstock YES
- DeLaRosa YES
- Friend YES
- Mueller YES
- Vera YES
The board discussed the legal liabilities of passing the policy without having procedures in place, and rightfully so. Where does this end? If District #87 has decided that it is OK to force students to share private spaces with members of the opposite sex while they are in a state of undress, what about sports? Will students be forced to compete against members of the opposite sex? What about overnight accommodations? Will students be forced to share hotel rooms with members of the opposite sex on overnight trips? Will teachers and students be forced to execute this policy even if they have religious or conscious objections against it?
With your help, we were out in front of this issue years ago, lobbying the board in the interest of all children to be treated with dignity, respect and to have their privacy protected. We presented hundreds of petitions. We presented countless amounts of information, facts backed up by professional legal and medical opinions. We presented alternative policies that ensured that the dignity and privacy of all students would be protected. But this turn of events further illustrates that this issue is not about facts or reason, and it certainly isn’t about protecting all children. This issue is a spiritual problem. This issue is about worldviews.
Unfortunately, our public school system has at its foundation a secular humanist, man-centered worldview which has transformed it into a church for atheism. Of course everyone who works in a public school is not an atheist. Many good and God fearing teachers and administrators work in our public schools. But the public school system, which has as its foundation a God-hating worldview, has no room for facts and reason, and certainly no room for a biblical worldview where God’s Word is the foundation.
With God’s Word as our foundation, we know that all human beings are created in the image of God, with inherent dignity and deserving of respect. But the secular humanist foundation of our public schools, based on man’s word not God’s Word, is increasingly seeking to destroy God’s image bearers; our children. We call them our children because they are. They are the future of this country and we as God-fearing people will be held to account for what we did or did not do to protect their God-given human dignity, and ultimately their souls.
The public school system has become so gripped by secular humanism that they don't care what the public they are supposed to serve has to say. Some Christians get involved, but unfortunately, many more do not. The sad truth is that the only reason this has been allowed to happen in our community (and country) is because too many good people, Christians, do nothing.
But this isn't all doom and gloom. This article titled Get Them Out (of Public Schools)! states, "The good news is that it has never been easier or more cost-effective for Americans to take back their power and their children. With a growing array of options available, ranging from homeschooling materials and parent-led cooperatives to independent private, online, and Christian schools to suit every need, virtually every parent can do it. Of course, there will be some sacrifice involved. Perhaps families will need to drive an older car, or sacrifice a vacation here or there. But what could be more important than one’s children and their future?"
We thank you for your support and for getting involved with our first petition drive several years ago.
If you are so inclined, you can voice your opinion to the Superintendent and the Board at [email protected] and [email protected]. The next board meeting is on Monday February 25th at 7pm at Glenbard East. If you go to a board meeting please be respectful and observe all laws and decorum.
If you have a child in the district and you are looking for alternatives here are some:
- Physical education waivers can be requested which will exempt your child from PE for marching band and sports if they qualify. Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors can request a waiver during first semester if they are in the marching band. Juniors and Seniors can request a waiver if they are in a sport. Please check with your child’s counselor.
- Students can ask for alternative arrangements. Alternative locker rooms and restrooms are available. If enough students make this request, a log-jam will be created, preventing students from getting to class on time, illustrating the absurdity of this policy.
- Lobby and/or request PE waivers for religious or conscious objections to this policy.
- Home school
- Private school
- Online high school
- Go directly to the students on the public sidewalks, obeying all laws, and pass out Gospel tracts and information about this policy. The students should know that they have a right to request alternative locker rooms, restrooms and PE waivers if they qualify.
- Protest the high school/administration building on public sidewalks, obeying all laws.
- Write letters to the editor
- Organize petition drives
- Run for office
- Let everyone in your social circles know about this policy change. It is very doubtful that the district will inform parents of this policy change based on their actions to conceal it and rush it through. We don’t want parents to find out about this policy from their children after their child has been harmed, as has happened in other districts. We want parents to know about this policy now, before any student is harmed, so they can make wise decisions for their children.
Some of you may be familiar with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a pro bono Christian legal organization, that has been at the forefront of these type of fights. If you or someone you know is being affected by this policy we recommend that you contact ADF at www.adflegal.org.
We wish you and your family the best that God has for you. We will continue to advance God’s Kingdom in our own individual ways and we will pray for our community, state and country.
To God be the Glory.
Support a Common Sense Student Privacy PolicyAll students have a right to privacy.
|
|
We, parents and concerned citizens of High School District #87, are concerned about the transgender policy.
The Problem
- ALL PEOPLE AGREE THAT BULLYING IS WRONG. D87 ALREADY HAS ANTI-BULLYING POLICIES, RIGHTFULLY SO! But is it bullying to allow girls the right to privacy of their own bodies? D87’s current “transgender non-discrimination” policy is vague. We are concerned that it has the potential to violate the privacy and modesty rights of students, may re-victimize sex abuse survivors, and hinders the practice of common sense.
- Students have the basic human right to privacy and modesty. Even inmates in prison are afforded this basic human right.
The Solution
- Support a common sense student privacy policy that protects the rights of all students.
- Call and email D87 Superintendent Larson and Board of Education members in support of the common sense student privacy policy: [email protected], and [email protected], 630-469-9100 x5142.
- Write letters to the editor.
This Policy is Misleading and Cites Unlawful Agreements
- It implies that there are Federal and State laws that mandate such a policy. This is untrue. In fact, a number of relevant court cases have confirmed that this is untrue.
- It will promote and educate our children that their gender is not fixed, that it is fluid, and ever-changing. This current policy recommends that if our children were to note that there are gender differences, or if they were to make gender distinctions, that schools should inform our kids that they are engaging in “gender stereotypes.”
What About Suicide?
- ALL SUICIDES ARE TRAGIC!! We must have compassion on those who are so emotionally ill that they would consider taking their own life!
- One of the leading causes of suicide is childhood sexual molestation. According to the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, 1 in 4 girls will have been sexually abused before age 18. This may be hard to believe, but it is possible 1,000 girls within D87 have been abused. The number of gender confused individuals is 0.3%. Allowing a gender confused fully developed male to undress in front of one of these girls, or forcing her to undress in front of him, can trigger traumatic flashbacks, extreme feelings of being unsafe and in danger, and suicidal feelings. Aren’t these girls’ stories, their feelings of shame, suicide and despair important too?
We propose this common sense policy from Alliance Defending Freedom:
STUDENT PHYSICAL PRIVACY POLICY
I. PURPOSE
In recognition of student physical privacy rights and the need to ensure student safety and maintain school discipline, this Policy is enacted to advise school site staff and administration regarding their duties in relation to student use of restrooms, locker rooms, showers, and other school facilities where students may be in a state of undress in the presence of other students.
ll. DEFINITIONS
“Biological sex” means the biological condition of being male or female as determined at birth based on physical differences, or, when necessary, at the chromosomal level.
lll. POLICY
A. Use of School Facilities
Notwithstanding any other Board Policy, student restrooms, locker rooms, and showers that are designated for one biological sex shall only be used by members of that biological sex. In any other school facilities or settings where a students may be in a state of undress in the presence of other students (i.e. changing costumes during school theatrical productions, etc.), school personnel shall provide separate, private areas designated for use by students based on their biological sex.
B. Accommodation of Biological Sex Non-Conforming Students
Students that exclusively and consistently assert at school that their gender is different from their biological sex shall be provided with the best available accommodation that meets their needs, but in no event shall that be access to the school restroom, locker room, or shower of the opposite biological sex. Such accommodations may include, but not be limited to: access to a single-stall bathroom; access to a uni-sex bathroom; or controlled use of a faculty bathroom, locker room, or shower.
I. PURPOSE
In recognition of student physical privacy rights and the need to ensure student safety and maintain school discipline, this Policy is enacted to advise school site staff and administration regarding their duties in relation to student use of restrooms, locker rooms, showers, and other school facilities where students may be in a state of undress in the presence of other students.
ll. DEFINITIONS
“Biological sex” means the biological condition of being male or female as determined at birth based on physical differences, or, when necessary, at the chromosomal level.
lll. POLICY
A. Use of School Facilities
Notwithstanding any other Board Policy, student restrooms, locker rooms, and showers that are designated for one biological sex shall only be used by members of that biological sex. In any other school facilities or settings where a students may be in a state of undress in the presence of other students (i.e. changing costumes during school theatrical productions, etc.), school personnel shall provide separate, private areas designated for use by students based on their biological sex.
B. Accommodation of Biological Sex Non-Conforming Students
Students that exclusively and consistently assert at school that their gender is different from their biological sex shall be provided with the best available accommodation that meets their needs, but in no event shall that be access to the school restroom, locker room, or shower of the opposite biological sex. Such accommodations may include, but not be limited to: access to a single-stall bathroom; access to a uni-sex bathroom; or controlled use of a faculty bathroom, locker room, or shower.
