Parents group urges Lincoln Public Schools to prepare for fallout from LB 89 and criticizes governors remarks

Laurie Ashmore, speaking on behalf of Rainbow Parents of Nebraska, addressed the Lincoln Board of Education during public comment and urged district leadership to prepare for what she said will be "collateral damage" from state legislation known as LB 89 and from public rhetoric by Nebraska's governor.

Ashmore told the board the governors public remarks from June 4 amount to an invitation for private citizens to police bathrooms and locker rooms. "This drew laughs from those in the audience at the press conference," she said. "If we didn't already feel emboldened enough by our current national administration, then our governor essentially gave permission for the people of the state to take things into their own hands. This is extremely scary not only for transgender and nonconforming people, but it should also scare cisgender people as well."

Ashmore asked the board to provide guidance to schools to "help lessen the harmful effect of this discriminatory bill," saying LB 89 "has no effect on bathrooms or locker rooms" but that the governor's comments could prompt vigilante behavior, increased bullying, and retaliatory accusations in school sports and other settings. "We expect that there will be a rise in bullying and people attempting to police bathrooms and locker rooms without any legal authority to do so," she said.

What the speaker asked the board to do

- Prepare schools for potential backlash and incidents prompted by public rhetoric about LB 89. - Provide guidance and a strong disciplinary response for individuals who attempt to take matters into their own hands.

What the transcript records

Ashmore identified herself and her address and spoke for approximately three minutes during the public comment period. Her remarks cited the June 4 press conference and urged local preparation and mitigation. The board received the comment during the public comment section; no board action was taken at the meeting in direct response to the remarks.

Direct quotes

"The Rainbow Parents of Nebraska were shocked and saddened by the statement made by governor Pillen's press conference on June 4." (Laurie Ashmore, Rainbow Parents of Nebraska)

"We expect that there will be a rise in bullying and people attempting to police bathrooms and locker rooms without any legal authority to do so. We are urging all schools and school districts in Nebraska to prepare for this and to have a strong disciplinary response in place for those individuals who attempt to take matters into their own hands." (Laurie Ashmore, Rainbow Parents of Nebraska)

Context

LB 89 and related public statements by state officials were the focus of Ashmore's comment. The transcript records the public comment but does not show any immediate board action or formal policy change in response. The board may consider public comment in future policy or guidance discussions; Ashmore specifically asked the LPS Board of Education to "provide guidance to schools to help lessen the harmful effect of this discriminatory bill."