Advocates urge Bennington schools to prepare supports after Nebraska’s LB 89

Sherry Schuler, representing the statewide nonprofit Rainbow Parents of Nebraska, told the Bennington Public Schools board on Aug. 11 that the recent state law LB 89 is likely to harm transgender and gender‑nonconforming students and asked the district to prepare supports ahead of the school year. "The sports ban is likely to cause chaos this fall," Schuler said, arguing students will face the choice of quitting teams or being publicly outed. She added that schools "are going to have to deal with the collateral damage and be there for all of our kids."

Schuler highlighted that LB 89 was signed by the governor on June 4 and that, even though a bathroom restriction was removed from the final bill, remarks by the governor have heightened safety concerns. Quoting the governor, she said he stated, "I have confidence that most young boys and men in Nebraska know right or wrong, and they'll take care of whoever tries to go into the locker room or restroom," and called the remark "chilling" because it could encourage members of the public to police restrooms.

She urged the board to reduce harm by preparing administrators, counselors and teachers to provide extra support to students who may be outed or excluded from athletics, to review and update anti‑bullying and harassment policies, and to enforce those policies vigorously. "It's our hope at Rainbow Parents that by highlighting challenges caused by bad governance and foolish words, your leadership can help protect all of the children attending Bennington Public Schools from the fallout," Schuler said.

The meeting record does not include a formal response from the board during public comment. Board members proceeded to business items including consent agenda approval and routine reports. The district will begin the school year with open houses and staff training in the days following the meeting.