Lakeshore Public Schools superintendent Phil Freeman and school board president Dr. Jason Beckrow are responding to a staff member questioning the decision to repurpose two single stall staff bathrooms at Lakeshore High School to gender neutral, fully accessible units. The staff member questioned that on Facebook and wondered if it “inappropriately” singles out transgender students. In their statement, Freeman and Beckrow say “First and foremost, let us say, YES! This decision was made to support our transgender students – along with every other student, staff and visitor in our schools.” They add the “insensitive remarks expressed by the staff member in this post do not reflect the values of Lakeshore Public Schools and are not acceptable in any manner or form,” and add the staff member will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
This is their statement:
This morning, the District was made aware of a social media post by one of our staff members that questioned the District’s decision to repurpose two single stall staff bathrooms at Lakeshore High School to gender neutral, fully accessible units. The post questions this decision and inappropriately singles out transgender students as the reason. First and foremost, let us say, YES! This decision was made to support our transgender students – along with every other student, staff and visitor in our schools. It demonstrates our commitment to accessibility and support for everyone.
As a District, we object wholeheartedly with the content of the staff member’s post. The insensitive remarks expressed by the staff member in this post do not reflect the values of Lakeshore Public Schools and are not acceptable in any manner or form. We assure you that the action taken in this matter will be swift and appropriate.
We are saddened that the work that we have done hand-in-hand with our LGBTQ students and their families to create an accepting and supportive environment are now undermined and damaged so severely by a single voice. We recognize that transgender and gender nonconforming students are often marginalized and face unfortunate obstacles within our school walls and in the community at large. The District is committed to mending the wounds created through this insensitive and hurtful post and will work with our students and their families to assure that a mantra of acceptance and support continues to be at the foundation of our work.
Philip Freeman, Superintendent
Dr. Jason Beckrow, School Board President
