AUDIO: Comstock Public Schools superintendent says transgender students still protected despite policy rescindment

COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Transgender students still have protection in Comstock Public Schools despite the school board removing a policy on that in response to an executive order from the White House according to superintendent Jeffrey Thoenes.

He says the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act provides protection for students for bathroom and locker room usage and the district’s discrimination and harassment policies protect them from bullying and other issues.

The school board voted 5-to-2 on March 10 to rescind policy 5016 on transgender students after a two-hour closed session to review communication with the district’s attorney.

OutFront Kalamazoo communications and advocacy manager Heather Standforth says the removal of the policy sends students a discouraging message.

This parent wanted to remain anonymous and disagrees with the school board’s decision.

More than a dozen people told the school board last night they feel the policy needs to be put back in place.