SELINSGROVE – Concerned parents, students, and district employees gathered at the Selinsgrove middle school’s auditorium Wednesday night to voice their opinion on transgender issues. The Selinsgrove Area School District’s board of education held a forum to allow members of the community to speak about whether or not to follow the national policy. The crowd had a split decision.
Alexa, a transgender woman, said everyone, including the board, should learn more about the topic at hand before making a decision, “This is new for everyone and I truly believe that we all just need to take a step back. We should learn about transgender people. We learn about new people all the time and everyone deserves that chance to be accepted.”
Karen, a retired district nurse, says she believes transgender students are taking the policy for granted, “The nurse’s bathroom offers you a safe place. But I also want to ask about the comfort. It seems like the change has been that you are putting the comfort of a few over the comfort of a large amount of people.”
Erin, a transgender male, told the board students will continue to fight, “I don’t want to be seen as the transgender issue. No one wants to be seen as an issue. I don’t even want to be seen as transgender. I want to be seen as male because that’s what I am. When someone’s basic rights are attacked, they have the right to fight back. No matter the outcome of this forum, we’ll continue to fight for our right for respect and equal treatment.”
Holly says she’s concerned about her daughter’s privacy, “Privacy is my main issue. I do have a daughter and I don’t want her to be subjected to things, unless I say she should be because I am her mother.”
The board did not reach a final decision at the forum. The topic will be discussed at next week’s meeting.
