Students, parents and residents flood public comment with competing views on transgender policy

Public comment at the Winthrop School Board meeting featured a large cross-section of the community, with multiple students, parents, and residents delivering prepared statements either urging protection of girls' sports or advocating for inclusive policies and adherence to legal and professional guidance.

Sophie Schumann, a Winthrop High School sophomore and multisport athlete, read statements from current female athletes urging protections for "fairness and safety in girls sports," saying the policy debate was not "about excluding or disrespecting anyone" but about preserving competitive opportunities. "When girls play against girls, the playing field is even," she said.

Countering that view, Anthony Wheeler, who identified as a transgender man and resident, recounted his experience and urged the board to preserve guidelines that allow transgender students access to facilities aligned with their identity. "Trans girls are not boys. Trans girls are not predatory men," Wheeler said. He cited research and national medical guidance indicating that affirming access reduces stress and improves outcomes for transgender youth.

Other student voices included Norbelle Deroscher and Harper Jackson, who warned that local policy changes could limit team opportunities or harm students who currently feel included. Residents such as Kat Hoy, Andrew Sweeney, and Joshua Deanda Whaley emphasized legal and procedural concerns, referencing the Maine Principals Association's long-standing participation policy and warning that local changes could prompt costly litigation.

Speakers on both sides noted the district currently reports very few or no transgender athletes and questioned whether immediate policy changes were necessary. Several called for the policy committee to do a thorough review and for the board to follow established adoption procedures rather than impose directives without full research.