Over the summer, the anti-LGBTQ+ group Moms for Liberty brought on a federal lawsuit in Kansas aimed at blocking protections for transgender students in 2,000 schools across the US, including 32 elementary, middle, high and charter schools in 19 Massachusetts districts.
A recent MassLive.com story examines how some of these schools are responding:
Representatives from four of the affected school districts told MassLive they were aware of the lawsuit. Two also reaffirmed a commitment to protecting transgender students from discrimination.
”The Westborough Public Schools is a district committed to creating an environment where all children feel welcome and supported, including transgender children, and part of that commitment involves protecting children from harassment and discrimination,” the district said in a statement.
Longmeadow Public Schools Superintendent Marty O’Shea made a similar statement on the lawsuit.
“I don’t anticipate that there will be any change in Longmeadow’s commitment to maintaining schools of belonging, protecting students based on gender identity and addressing sex-based harassment and sex discrimination,” he said.
The response from the Taunton Public Schools was more measured.
The district said it “takes pride in being supportive and inclusive of all students.” But it “has always, and will continue, to follow and adhere to federal and state laws and guidance regarding Title IX implementation.”
Natick Public Schools declined to comment on protections for trans students.
Instead, it said in a statement that the Natick School Committee was set to attend a Title IX training this week and that its legal team is working to determine what, if any, impact Broomes’ rulings would have on the school district.
Westborough and Longmeadow school administrators also said in their statements that they do not believe the judge’s rulings would impact Massachusetts schools.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts agreed.
“Trans-inclusive policies are still lawful, and schools can — and should — move forward with them to ensure an inclusive and equal education for all,” Rachel Davidson, a staff attorney for the state branch of the civil rights organization, said in a statement.
Read the complete MassLive.com story here, including a list of the 32 stories.
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