New Kent school board heeds comments on restroom issue for transgenders

During most New Kent School Board work sessions, only a handful of people are in the audience to hear business conducted. But at Monday night’s meeting, a relocation change to address a growing issue not only drew the board’s largest audience at a work session, but also took into account recent situations regarding restroom options for transgender students.

School board members listened as 23 members of the public spoke on the issue inside New Kent High School’s auditorium. In light of recent legal proceedings occurring in a nearby jurisdiction involving a transgender student being denied use of a public restroom, New Kent school leaders are taking a proactive approach to receive feedback and opinions on the topic.

School superintendent Dave Myers spoke on the issue prior to receiving public comment.

“We have at least two unisex bathrooms in each school,” he said. “I believe we have taken steps in the right direction for now, but we obviously need guidance on the issue.”

At issue is concern over a transgender child having the capability to use a bathroom by the way they choose to identify his or herself. For example, if a girl chooses to identify as a boy, then that child may want to use the boys’ restroom. If a boy chooses to identify as a girl, then that student may use the girls’ restroom.

And while unisex stalls are in place, concern arose over that bathroom serving to single out the student, resulting in a chain reaction of bullying or self-esteem issues. Those issues are being faced by Gloucester County at the present time.

Public comments poured in, touching a variety of areas that school board members will have to ponder.

“I applaud the progressive stance of a neutral gender restroom,” said Sam Fuller, who works as a clinical psychologist. “With a lot of the studies I have done with patients, a child will identify by the age of four to six their gender as a male or female.

“I’ve learned that the more a parent tries to suppress this issue by forcing a child to be a boy or be a girl, the more psychological damage it can do. I do believe the board’s intentions are good, but sending a child to a neutral gender bathroom away from everybody is not a good message.”

“I have spoken with my kids about the issue and they are like ‘who cares?’” commented Jeri Thornton. “People use the bathroom, genders don’t. Be the people on the right side of history and do what is right.

“Be the change in history,” Thornton continued. “There was separation between water fountains and bathrooms during the civil rights movement and that was wrong, and so is this.”

While supporters for allowing transgender students to use public restrooms continued to voice their opinion, others feared possible negative ramifications and dangers that could arise from the change.

“Parents want a safe, loving, nurturing environment,” said Laura Robertson. “An unsexed restroom for transgender students in addition to the segregated same-sex restroom is a solution that will meet everyone needs while upholding the integrity of each child’s privacy.”

“I’m concerned about the safety for kids,” Sarah Ferrell said. “I don’t want someone claiming they are transgender when they are really not. Kids are very curious nowadays, especially at the elementary level.”

Others, meanwhile, were more concerned about issues that may be addressed in future discussions.

“I am a Christian mother. I am aware of my beliefs and so are my children, but they are confused about the situation,” commented Stacy Yates. “I’m very concerned about how the board plans to address issues such as when a student has to change in the locker room for gym class.”

On the other hand, one person commented that the issue seemed to be favoring a small minority of students in the system.

“I honestly feel that this issue is sacrificing 99 percent of the children and focusing on one percent,” said Dominic Beasley.

Junior Destiny Martinez was the only student to speak at the forum, giving her viewpoint as a student but acknowledging the board’s future deliberations on the topic.

“I understand that it’s a big issue and I understand how a child can feel confused when they are young,” she said. “But you’re confused on every subject when you’re that young [elementary age].

“In today’s society it is good to learn about issues at that age,” Martinez continued. “I do not feel threatened and take no offense if a transgender wants to use the bathroom. If they do, good for them for standing up for what they believe in, but personally it doesn’t bother me.”

Michele Shoemaker, who started a social network page, wrapped up a summary of the social issue tied into the decision being made.

“I know my son is different. His years at New Kent were horrific,” she said, holding back tears. “My son was bullied and tried to take his life on three occasions.

“The message that I want parents and adults to teach is to show compassion regardless of the situation,” Shoemaker continued. “Regardless if a person is overweight or wear glasses, teach your children to show compassion. You never know what can make a child so desperate to take their own life.

“I hope that parents and the board take this to heart during this issue,” she concluded.

Myers, as well as board members, thanked the public for input.

“Your comments and speaking on this will greatly help us,” said board chairwoman Sarah Grier Barber. “As a board, we have a lot to think about, but we are going to do what’s best for the children of New Kent.”