On Monday, October 3, the Wausau School Board held a meeting to discuss the guidelines for trans students and bathrooms. Many community members spoke, and the crowd seemed to be split on the topic.
The board faced backlash for their current guidelines, which permitted any trans student to use the restroom they are most comfortable using. Concerned parents and members of the community came forward at the meeting, expressing their concerns.
Many brought up that they didn’t believe that adolescents were experiencing an influx of hormones, therefore clouding their judgment and contributing to them identifying as trans. Others argued that being trans is not a choice and that trans students needed support more than anything.
While concerned parents brought up their concerns to the board, the young people at the meeting thought this action was unnecessary, as most of their classmates would not feel unsafe if a trans person used the same bathroom they were in.
One parent of a trans student, who chose to remain anonymous, maintained that her child’s safety and wellbeing were being discussed. She argued that her child mattered just as much as any other child in the district.
The school board decided not to change the guidelines pertaining to trans students, allowing them to use any restroom or locker room they felt most comfortable using. The guidelines could be reviewed at any time, however.
Although an emotional night, the ruling is a victory for the LGBT+ community.
