Parent warns board against rescinding district transgender-student policy; cites student safety concerns

Bridal Rexford, a parent and resident, used the second public-comment period to urge the board not to rescind a district policy she identified as "57 56" and to criticize the process used when a previous motion was raised without notice.

Rexford said rescinding the policy would remove explicit protections that give transgender and gender-nonconforming students dignity and safety at school. "If you rescind this policy, you are making a statement that you do not care about these kids and you do not care about the safety," she said.

She described the policy as including respect for names and pronouns, protections from bullying, equal application of dress codes, staff training, equal access to educational programs and activities, and guidance about access to bathrooms and sports. Rexford told the board those protections matter because some families are not safe spaces; she said school policy can prevent harm for students who might face emotional, physical or housing risks at home.

Rexford also criticized the procedural handling of the prior motion to rescind, saying it was raised without being placed on the agenda and when a board member was absent, which she said limited public comment and gave the appearance of subverting public input.

The board thanked public commenters in the meeting and did not record a vote on rescission in the provided transcript excerpt. The speaker emphasized the policy's stated purpose as setting a standard that the schools provide a "safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students."