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Public commenters urge Tempe Union board to reverse reported restroom guidance; district did not take action
Summary
Two public commenters accused district counsel of saying students may use restrooms matching their gender identity and urged the board to rescind the guidance, citing safety concerns; the board did not debate or adopt any policy change during the meeting.
At its regular meeting, the Tempe Union High School District governing board heard emotional public comment urging reversal of what two speakers described as a district practice allowing students to use restrooms that match their gender identity.
An unidentified commenter opened public comment by saying they had received a flyer alleging that "your general counsel told this reporter that biological boys are allowed to use the women's restroom," and warned the board that "this is putting all of our students in danger," citing national incidents as examples. The speaker concluded, "I urge you, and I will work with anybody on this board to do this, to reject this policy and restore common sense to our district." The statement was presented as an allegation and no board action followed that night.
Kelly Cooper, who identified herself as a parent and local restaurant owner, said she had come "to deliver a message" to Tempe Union and other boards, arguing that "the parents matter" and that allowing restroom use based on gender identity would be "dangerous and disrespectful for our daughters." Cooper said she and other parents would press elected officials on the issue, and urged the board to reconsider any guidance that permits such restroom access.
Board members did not debate or vote on policy changes during public comment. President Montero reminded speakers of policy BEDH requiring that comments address agenda items and noted that board responses are limited to referring matters for staff study or future consideration. No district official offered a statement during the meeting confirming or denying the specific assertion about counsel's guidance.
The boardmeeting record shows public comment as an opportunity for citizens to request staff follow-up or for the board to schedule the matter for later consideration; it does not record a formal direction to staff or a change in district policy at this meeting. Any formal policy change would require a future agenda item and a board vote.
