By Tim Arnett
WABASH,Indiana – On Tuesday night, the MSD of Wabash County Board discussed a subject that is no doubt being talking about in countless school board rooms all over the country. That is to say, what to do with President Obama’s so-called mandate which requires schools to open up bathrooms for transgendered students so that they can use the particular facilities that correspond with the gender they identify with. If schools refuse, they risk losing at least some of their federal funding. MSD receives approximately 10% of their funding from the feds and this has undoubtedly put the board in a difficult position.
Lorissa Sweet gets ready for Tuesday night’s meeting
Add to that fact, a petition by Lorissa Sweet, likely to be on the Wabash County Council next year, pressed the issue. Sweet’s petition, entitled “Protect Our Children MSD Wabash,” aims to convince the MSD School Board to ignore President Obama’s “mandate.” The petition had received 500 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon. Sweet spoke at the meeting and expressed her concern for the safety of her three daughters, all of whom attend MSD. When asked how many people agreed with the petition, at least 10 individuals joined Sweet by standing.
Then multiple attendees spoke up – some in favor and some against. Some said that MSD must keep up with the changing times and that the school should value all individuals. Another said that she is not worried about transgenders but older kids taking advantage of younger ones. Then Superintendent Dr. Sandra Weaver spoke to the issue.
She mentioned that she has studied the issue and the president’s so-called mandate is merely guidance on the issue. She sent an email to the principals on Sunday night which details MSD’s policy on the issue. If a school has a transgender student, she asked the student or their parent or guardian to come talk to the school’s principal. The transgendered student would be allowed to use a private bathroom from that point on. Weaver said that this solves the problem because it is not discriminatory and will keep the student safe.
Caroline Siler
Unfortunately, Weaver admitted that such a policy does not satisfy President Obama’s guidance on the issue. Sweet seemed satisfied by Weaver’s solution and said that she understands the other side’s argument.
Caroline Siler, who spoke in favor of the president’s guidance on the issue, told MiBash News that she is also satisfied with the solution.
Also at the meeting, the board accepted the retirement of Northfield Student Advocate and Tutor Boo Salb. The board also approved the Service Animals in Schools policy.