Rainbow Parents of Nebraska urges Ralston schools to prepare for effects of LB 89

Holly Ritchie, speaking on behalf of Rainbow Parents of Nebraska, told the Ralston Public Schools Board of Education at its Aug. 11 meeting that the recent passage of LB 89 will create immediate challenges for transgender and gender-nonconforming students. "The sports ban will cause chaos for the fall," Ritchie said, adding that students will face a choice "to quit the sport that they love or be outed to their peers." She urged the district to prepare supports and to review and vigorously enforce existing nondiscrimination and safety policies.

Ritchie said the bill originally included restrictions on bathrooms and locker rooms that were removed to secure passage but warned the political climate created by proponents remains harmful. She quoted the governor as saying he had "confidence that most young boys and men in Nebraska know right from wrong," which she said risks "encourag[ing] vigilantes to police gender" and adds stress for students and families.

The board did not engage in debate during public comment; the board president reminded speakers that it is the boardpolicy not to respond during the public-comment period. Ritchie provided written materials and contact information and asked district leaders to offer extra support to students who are outed, to anticipate an increase in bullying and harassment, and to ensure staff enforce district policies that protect student safety.

What happens next: Ritchie asked the district to review and enforce policies; she and the organization offered to be a resource. The board did not take immediate action at the meeting but heard the concern as part of public comment.