Massapequa school board meets for first time since state barred its transgender bathroom policy
The policy, which the board adopted as a resolution last month and then later approved, banned students from using bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identities.
More Stories
The Massapequa Board of Education met Tuesday night for the first time since the New York Education Department ruled the school district could not enforce its transgender bathroom policy.
The policy, which the board adopted as a resolution last month and then later approved, banned students from using bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identities. The policy cited Title IX and an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day back in office, mandating the U.S. recognize only two sexes.
"The Board recognizes its duties, obligations, and responsibilities to uphold federal law and to safeguard the privacy, dignity and safety of its students," the Sept. 9 resolution read in part.
Some parents felt strongly that the policy should be reinstated.
"Having somebody of the opposite sex come in, regardless of how they identify, I'm sorry, I don't think boys belong in the girls' bathroom, or locker room, or anything," Massapequa parent Colleen McDermott said.
Others called the situation a non-issue that has blown far out of proportion.
"I wonder how many actual cases of transgender bathroom usage have really come about to make it such a hot topic?" Massapequa parent Matt Van Ommeren asked.
But last week, the state issued a stay preventing the district from enforcing that policy after the New York Civil Liberties Union filed an appeal on behalf of a transgender student in the district.
"This is a terrible use of public resources and the board should refocus on the important work of ensuring that all students in Massapequa receive a high-quality education," New York Civil Liberties Education Counsel Emma Hulse said.
Last week, the Locust Valley School District became the second on Long Island to adopt a transgender bathroom policy. The school board agreed that students can only use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their biological sex.
The decision came after the state had already determined that Massapequa cannot enforce its policy. A spokesperson for the state called Locust Valley's policy "materially indistinguishable" from Massapequa's, though the board disagreed.
Both Locust Valley and Massapequa agreed to continue offering gender-neutral facilities for students.
A spokesperson for the Massapequa School District declined to comment ahead of tonight's meeting. News 12 reached out to the state education department for comment, but had not yet heard back.
The board meeting took place at Massapequa High School. The specific policy wasn't on the agenda, but a public comment was listed, which could allow those in the district to voice their concerns.
