WI school board approves 'gender support' policy aimed at prioritizing 'parental rights'
WATERTOWN, Wis. (CITC) — A Wisconsin school board approved a new policy Monday requiring students to use district facilities and participate in athletics based on biological sex, arguing the approach "prioritize[s] parental rights."
The Watertown Unified School District Board of Education during its meeting weighed two proposals aimed at the topics. "Draft A: Transgender Students" would have allowed students to use facilities, such as restrooms, and join intramural sports based on gender identity, while "Draft C: Gender Support Plans" requires students do all in a manner corresponding with their biological sex.
While elements of Draft A have already been in effect within the school district, Draft C explains it was written to both "prioritize parental rights" and "ensure the safety and privacy of students."
The school board approved Draft C despite opposition from some parents Monday. One mom questioned whether the board had considered any input from transgender individuals when writing the proposal.
"What is the real reason behind changing this policy?" she asked. "Because it's definitely not for the protection and acceptance of an already vulnerable population ... [LGBT students] are already targeted by their peers just because they are different."
Another speaker indicated she disagreed with arguments that Draft C places emphasis on parental rights, claiming the policy actually "takes away the rights of parents."
In reality, it prioritizes certain parents," she said. "What we need to prioritize are safe and welcoming learning environments for our children."
However, others applauded the school board's move. One father said the subject is "first and foremost" a safety issue, noting restrooms and locker rooms are places where students feel most vulnerable.
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"Taking safety rights from our kids and forcing girls to share intimate spaces with biological males and vice versa, regardless of their gender identity, infringes on their right to privacy," he said. "This isn't about excluding anyone, but ensuring all students' needs are met appropriately."
As the adults in their lives, let us be responsible and do right by them and protect our children," another speaker added in support of Draft C. "It's not really equality if it takes the rights away from half the student body and parents and the staff."
The decision by the Watertown Unified School District Board of Education coincides with a similar debate playing out on Capitol Hill. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., proposed a resolution this week to penalize individuals who use Capitol restrooms “other than those corresponding to the biological sex of such an individual.”
Rep. Mace's resolution argues that allowing individuals to use Capitol facilities based on gender identity "jeopardizes the safety and dignity" of others. The push comes ahead of Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Del., being sworn in next year as the first openly transgender member of Congress.
Rep.-elect McBride brushed off the matter in a statement shared via X Wednesday, writing she is "not here to fight about bathrooms," but to "fight for Delawareans." She also promised to follow restroom guidelines outlined by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., which state all "single-sex facilities" in the Capitol are "reserved for individuals of that biological sex."
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