In the past year, female students identifying as male have reportedly started using boys’ locker rooms at Stonebridge High School, part of Loudoun County Public Schools. This practice aligns with the district’s Policy 8040.
This policy was enacted several months after a serious incident, where a transgender-identified male assaulted a female student in the girls’ restroom. It mandates that students utilize facilities corresponding to their claimed gender identities.
A parent remarked, “This should terrify all parents.”
In March, after gym classes, a girl posing as a boy utilized the policy again in a locker room. Three boys expressed discomfort with her presence, discussing it among themselves.
Although taking photos or videos in the locker room violates district policy, the focus of LCPS seemed to be more about the boys’ discomfort regarding the gender policy.
A Title IX investigation was initiated against the two boys, who are of Christian and Muslim backgrounds, for allegedly engaging in sexual harassment.
Local news reported that LCPS concluded its investigation recently, leading to significant consequences for the boys.
Josh Hetzler, the lawyer for the boys’ family, stated that the Title IX Office found the boys liable for sexual harassment and discrimination due to their discomfort with the situation.
Consequently, they received a ten-day suspension and were subjected to contact orders with the girl. Hetzler mentioned that they are also required to work on a “corrective action plan” with school officials.
According to reports, the girl involved only received minor suspensions for her actions.
Another parent, Seth Wolf, shared feelings of anger and sadness over the school’s decision-making process, expressing concern about the implications for their children.
Renae Smith, another concerned parent, voiced that the evidence against her son was insufficient to justify the allegations of harassment and discrimination.
Smith further lamented the potential lifelong impact of this biased process, stating, “It’s shocking. It should make all parents afraid.”
She mentioned relocating out of Virginia to distance her son from the district’s actions. Many parents suspect that the district is attempting to set a precedent by targeting these boys.
Wolf commented, “They’ll have to conform to the district’s beliefs or face consequences.” He expressed that the treatment of their children feels harsh and unfair.
LCPS also faces scrutiny from the Education Bureau’s Civil Rights Division, which determined last month that the district violated Title IX by enforcing its gender policy. The district has been given until mid-August to amend its practices.
Craig Strain, deputy secretary of civil rights, criticized the misuse of authority by LCPS, stating that such behaviors were tolerated by the previous administration but must end.
Recently, the Education Committee voted against adhering to federal guidelines, affirming the continuation of Policy 8040.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has prompted investigations into how this situation is being handled by the district.
In a statement, Miyares highlighted the disturbing precedent set by the district regarding students’ discomfort with the opposite sex.
