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Public commenters clash over bathroom access and book content at St. Johns school board meeting
Summary
Dozens of community members urged the St. Johns Public Schools Board to protect transgender students or, alternately, to prioritize student privacy; commenters also raised objections to library titles including The Hate U Give and 57 Bus. No formal policy change was made at the Nov. 10 meeting.
At the Nov. 10 St. Johns Public Schools Board meeting, two broad groups of public commenters confronted the Board with competing concerns about bathroom access and library materials.
Several speakers urged inclusive policies and supports for transgender students. Mental‑health professional and St. Johns graduate Andrea Ryan told the Board that some students "avoid bathrooms due to bullying and fear" and that there is "no evidence that inclusive bathrooms are unsafe." Tess Miller said Michigan law allows students to "use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity" and described her child’s high‑school experience after coming out.
Other commenters said privacy and safety must guide district policy. Phillip Foust said he had been "informed of a boy using the girls' bathroom" and referenced Title IX as a framework for protecting girls; Carolyn Smith and Gayle Griggs raised objections to library books such as The Hate U Give and 57 Bus, asking for more balanced perspectives for students. Ilene Schueller requested clarification on same‑sex bathroom rules and noted missing stalls in girls' restrooms as a privacy concern.
Board members did not vote on any new bathroom rules or book‑ban measures at the meeting. Superintendent Dr. Anthony Berthiaume opened public comment by emphasizing that "all students should feel safe" and said district principals are coordinating supports; he added that he has "not spoken with individual parents regarding this matter." The Board heard the concerns and indicated legal and policy review may be needed before taking action.
