Multiple speakers urge Prince William school board to keep policies affirming transgender students; opposing views also voiced

At the March 19 public comment period, multiple students, parents and community members urged the Prince William County School Board to maintain policies that allow transgender and non-binary students to use preferred names and pronouns and to be treated consistent with their gender identity.

Speakers and themes: Catherine Wheeler, a parent of a nonbinary graduate, described the division’s name- and pronoun-change process as affirming and urged the board to “continue to choose to serve children as their full selves.” A student organizer identified in the record as Finn (Pride Liberation Project) said changing his school name and pronouns improved his mental health and cited a 2019 Journal of Adolescent Health study showing reduced depression and suicidal behavior when schools allow name/pronoun changes. Riley Oldenburg, a Colgan High School junior, said proposed policies that force restroom or locker-room use based on birth-assigned sex would not increase safety and would harm transgender students.

Several speakers linked local policy to statewide and federal actions: Caitlin Weston asked the board to contact the Virginia High School League after the VHSL rescinded its inclusive policy on transgender student athletics; other speakers warned against complying with federal executive orders or guidance they said could strip protections. Community speaker David Dooley urged the board to continue supporting LGBTQ+ students and staff and warned against rhetoric that fuels harassment.

Opposing comments: Martie Weaver and other speakers argued that recognizing gender identity undermines women’s rights and called for restricting access to facilities and sports based on biological sex. Those remarks were met with several speakers who emphasized student safety and mental health.

Procedural notes and turnout: The board opened the citizen comment period with 11 registered speakers and reminded the public of decorum rules. Comments spanned roughly one hour and included students, parents, and community advocates. The board did not take formal action on local transgender policy during this meeting.

Representative quotes (as spoken in the record): “This system affirmed who our child is,” parent Catherine Wheeler said. Student Finn said, “When I was able to have my true name and pronouns respected, my mental health improved.” Board members did not propose any new policy changes at the meeting; the remarks will remain part of the public record.