Parents, students criticize King George school board’s GSA ban and policy JBB at public comment
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Summary
Parents and students told the King George County School Board that a recent ban on a Gay‑Straight Alliance and adoption of policy JBB singled out LGBTQ students and harmed school climate; board members invited continued dialogue but did not reverse the policy during the meeting.
Parents, students and community members pressed the King George County School Board on its recent decision to block a Gay‑Straight Alliance (GSA) at the middle school and on policy JBB, which speakers said singles out transgender students.
Susan Park, a parent of two King George students, told the board: "You've banned a gay straight alliance club at the middle school and you've approved and implemented a policy that singles out transgender students." Park said she did not expect immediate changes but vowed continued advocacy on behalf of affected students and families.
A middle‑school student, Arnaus Park, said the club is intended "to bring community to kids who feel alone." Arnaus described meetings with school staff in which alternatives — including moving the club off campus or changing the name — were suggested and said those options do not address the club’s purpose.
Parent John Wheeler said he felt decisions had been predetermined and questioned the board’s explanations about teacher time and volunteer availability. "I feel like a decision has already been made," Wheeler said, adding that suggested workarounds at prior meetings left students without full access to the club.
Board members responded during the public comment period by inviting further conversation. One member said for the record that it was "100% not true" the board wanted students to feel powerless. The chair and superintendent made themselves available for follow‑up meetings and individual conversations to further discuss concerns raised by students and families.
The record for the meeting also contains differing name references around a student leader highlighted in the meeting: the superintendent and a staff member referenced a student leader named "Ella Naimi," while a youth who spoke at the meeting identified herself in the transcript as "Ellen Eme." Because the transcript contains both names, the board and staff should confirm the correct spelling and affiliation before using either name in official materials.
No formal action was taken to rescind the policy or to reopen club approval during the meeting; board members repeatedly emphasized that public comment is one‑way and invited off‑line dialogue for additional input.
The board is expected to continue receiving emails and individual requests for meetings on the matter; no legislative or administrative change was announced at this session.
