Parents, lawyers and advocates press Morton board over lifetime bans and alleged discrimination; board moves to closed session

Speakers at Morton CUSD 709’s June meeting spent a large portion of the public comment period pressing the board to lift lifetime bans imposed on two local activists and to respond to allegations of discrimination against LGBTQ and other students.

Multiple residents described the banned community members — identified in public remarks as Tammy Woodmancy and another local activist — as longtime advocates for students, and several speakers said the punishments were excessive. “She has a lifetime ban from all events as well as school board meetings,” one speaker said, describing effects that included being barred from picking up children or attending school recitals. Another parent said the ban had chilled other residents from speaking at meetings.

Deanna Brown, an attorney who said she advises nonprofits and other clients, addressed the board on constitutional…