Parental rights resolution that outlines student gender identity passes in Waukesha

 

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS58) -- A unanimous vote by the Waukesha Board of Education on a parental rights resolution that includes students' personal gender identity was the topic of much discussion on Wednesday.

"This is a political tactic," said one parent about the parental rights and transparency resolution.

Over two dozen community members voiced their opinions during the public comment portion of the meeting.

"I don't believe that my right to parent my minor child is a political issue. In fact, it's the opposite. Those who want the issues related to my child to be secret are interested in doing that so they can implement social and political ideas into children's lives," said one woman in response to others calling the resolution politically motivated.

Per the resolution, district staff is expected to cooperate with parents to ensure students are referred to in ways that represent the student's identity. It goes on to read, "District staff will not be permitted to call a minor student by names, nicknames or pronouns other than commonly shortened or abbreviated full names (for example, William to “Bill” or Jennifer to “Jen”) or pronouns consistent with the student’s biological sex, without written permission from the parent."

"If students don't feel comfortable enough talking to their parents about their identities, then why should we force our teachers to be the middlemen," said one woman, a former student of the district, about her opposition to the resolution. "At best, these policies are unnecessary, and at worst, they will jeopardize students' safety and well-being."

Many agreed that the resolution puts teachers in a tough position, but others did not see it that way.

"Maybe students that previously would turn to teachers for support will turn to their parents," said one parent. "We don't expect teachers to stand in for us, we expect them to teach."

Another section in the resolution outlines restroom and locker rooms by students in the district. It reads: "Students will use shared bathroom and locker room facilities according to their biological sex. Students who request exceptions for shared facility use, shall have a plan on file with the school district that is determined by the Superintendent not to introduce an excess of safety or privacy risks for other District students, and that is approved by the parent."

Sports are also touched on when it comes to gender identity, "Students will participate in athletics programs consistent with their biological sex and the rules of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association (WIAA). Any

consideration of alternate placement due to a student’s gender identity must comply with WIAA policy and be approved by the Board."

"I encourage you to do what is right and to ignore the attacks coming from a very vocal minority and the woke," said one man before the boards 8-0 vote in favor of the resolution.

Many called the resolution a political stunt with one person saying it was pulled from the headlines of national media. Others thanked the board for doing "what they elected them to do."

"I appreciate the compliments, but I do not know what the republican playbook is, nor do I have a copy of it," Waukesha Board of Education President Kelly Piacsek said. "What is in this resolution was my best attempt to synthesize the request, concerns and issues that have been coming up at committee meetings and board meetings over the past year."

Piacsek also touched on how she believes the resolution is about making the rights of parents clear to all.

"This is not about throwing kids to the wolves," she said. "Supporting parental rights means supporting parental rights, whether we agree with the parent or not."

The resolution passed in a unanimous vote and the board of education is directing the superintendent to "develop or confirm procedures to fully protect these rights of District parents and their children to the extent allowed by state and federal law" by March 1. They also urged Wisconsin lawmakers to do the same.

To watch the Waukesha Board of Education School board meeting from Wednesday, click here.