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Public commenters press Stonington board for clearer rules on gender identity in facilities and criticize member's social media
Summary
Multiple residents at the March 12 meeting urged the Board to clarify discrimination and facility policies affecting transgender students and raised concerns about a board member's social media conduct; speakers proposed private accommodations and asked what formal follow-up the Board would take.
During the public comment period at the March 12 Stonington Board of Education meeting, several residents urged clearer district policy and stronger, transparent steps on how the district treats gender-identity issues in school facilities and sports.
Audray Hall said bathrooms and sports should be separated by sex rather than gender identity and asked the Board how it would ensure "safe and fair competition in female sports." Jennifer Evering and others called for clarification of the district’s discrimination policies and criticized social-media posts by a board member following the prior meeting, saying the posts raised concerns about the Board’s conduct. Shawn Drake said he had not received a response to his request for the district policy regarding transgender use of female locker rooms and facilities and asked what action the Board would take regarding the alleged bylaw violation by a board member.
Other public speakers urged compassion and inclusion: Harriet Statchen said discrimination policy is set at the state level and advocated treating transgender students with respect and kindness, and Bob Statchen discussed statistics and concerns about mental health and policy approaches. Jason Hine urged careful use of public-comment time and advised against repeated, unproductive remarks; Jeremoe Ponte suggested private or separate facilities as a possible accommodation and urged the district to find common ground to keep students valued and to address enrollment concerns.
Board Secretary Kevin Agnello acknowledged the importance of the topic, reminded the audience that public comments are limited to 20 minutes per the agenda rules, and allowed one additional speaker on the subject before moving the meeting forward. The Board did not take any formal action on policy changes at the meeting; speakers asked for clearer administrative response and formal clarification in a future agenda item.
Provenance: Public comments on gender identity and board conduct appear during the public comment segment and the subsequent remarks and superintendent report.
