Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Public commenters at Deerfield meeting criticize outside activist groups and debate locker-room handling; residents express divergent views
Summary
Multiple residents, students and parents spoke during open comment, many criticizing outside activist groups (naming Moms for Liberty) and calling for support of district staff and students; other commenters raised concerns about locker-room policies and alleged coercion over changing-room use.
The Deerfield SD 109 public comment period on May 15 drew lengthy testimony from residents, parents and students about outside activist groups and a recent locker-room dispute at Shepherd Middle School.
Several residents said national groups that they said are working in multiple districts have harmed the community and driven litigation and harassment. Tom Dennison, a longtime resident, said he and other parents reviewed public materials from those groups and that they have caused “rampant online harassment” and “hostile threats,” and he said FOIA requests showed $44,000 in legal costs tied to defending the district. Dennison said, “They do not live here. They do not pay taxes.…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
