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Massapequa board hears heated public comment over bathroom and locker-room policy; no policy vote
Summary
Dozens of residents, students and parents spoke for and against the district—s policy that requires students to use restrooms and locker rooms matching their biological sex. The board president reiterated the district—s position and said legal limits prevent discussion of active cases; no formal vote on the policy was recorded.
The Massapequa Union Free School District Board of Education hearing on public comment turned sharply contentious as dozens of residents, students and parents addressed a district policy requiring students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their biological sex.
Board President (name not specified) restated the district—s position and said the board—s action is "rooted in law," adding that legal limits related to ongoing cases restrict what the board can discuss publicly. The board did not take a formal vote on the policy during the meeting.
The public-comment period included speakers on both sides. Several parents and residents said the policy protects privacy and safety for female students. Christie Chupina, identified as a Massapequa Park parent of four, told the board she appreciated its stance and said, "Stay out of the men need to stay out of the female spaces," while other parents urged the board to preserve single-sex facilities.
Others, including teachers, students and local advocates, urged the board to reverse restrictions. Dan Smith, a career educator and school administrator, said barring transgender students from facilities aligned with their gender identity is "horrific," and argued the policy reflects bias rather than safety concerns. In a separate comment, Dr. Joe Prizansano, a parent and community member, cited research he said shows higher suicide risk among transgender youth and urged compassion: "Transgender children are just kids trying to survive an already difficult life," he said.
Several students also spoke. Ryan Hill, an AIM student and student-council member, said he and classmates feel uncomfortable sharing changing spaces with students of a different gender: "I have been in the bathroom with a transgender student and I have never felt more uncomfortable in my life," he said. Another student described ongoing bullying she said she experiences at school.
Speakers cited state guidance and federal law in support of their positions. Commenters on both sides warned of legal and mental-health consequences: some parents said restrictions protect daughters— privacy, while others said the policy risks litigation and harms vulnerable students.
Board President reminded the audience of the board—s public-comment rules and said the board cannot discuss individual students or active cases. The board limited public comment to the scheduled 30 minutes, and several speakers exceeded or pressed against the time limit; the president repeatedly instructed the audience to allow each person to finish.
No formal board action to change the district policy on bathrooms or locker rooms was recorded in the meeting minutes or on the agenda at this session.
The meeting concluded with the board moving into an executive session for legal consultation.
Ending: The district did not announce any next steps on the policy during the meeting. Board members said they would not discuss specific students or active litigation in public but indicated the matter involves legal considerations that may continue to shape future discussion.
