11/01/2024
Here is my response to a question I received via Messenger from a member of our communities.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN PARENTS RIGHTS? WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MALES IN GIRLS SPORTS AND GIRLS LOCKER ROOMS?
Thank you for asking the question that I know is on lots of voter’s minds in our community. I am grateful for your willingness to ask - you are the first person to reach out to me directly and inquire about my thoughts on these topics - I appreciate it.
The most important people in a child’s life are their parents/guardians (I will continue to say parents, but please know that I intend to include guardians in this discussion as well). A strong connection between parents, schools/educators, and kids is the best way for a child to be successful. I believe all parents should be active with their children’s school, attend curriculum nights, conferences, celebrations, etc. If parents want to dive deeper into curriculum materials they should certainly have access to do that and ask questions to the best person who can help give them answers. If a parent wishes to have their child opt out of certain lessons, they certainly should be able to make that request and work with the school to create a reasonable alternative plan.
During my time on the HVS Board of Education, I have seen a diverse group of parents in all places where decisions are being made - from committees like Safety & Security, Community Task Force, Strategic Plan/Strategic Plan 2.0, Bond Committee, and District Parent Council to school level groups like the PTAs and PTOs and even our Board of Education where we have 3 current HVS parents including me.
In my role as a member of the HVS Board of Education we have an obligation to balance students’ rights, parents’ rights, employee/educators’ rights, etc to make sure that we work closely with all groups to ensure fairness and compassion while still upholding all state and federal laws. The safety and security of all students are at the forefront of our thoughts and planning.
The organization that governs most Michigan High School sports is the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). It is their responsibility as an organization to make determinations about who is eligible to participate in sports. I respect their role and will follow their guidance as it relates to eligibility.
The overarching societal question of the definition of s*x and who should be allowed to participate in sports is much larger than my role at the HVS board table. These are discussions being had at the state and federal level with lawmakers and in the courts. As a board member, I will fulfill my oath to the constitution to follow the laws of the land.
When it comes to bathrooms and locker rooms, we seem to be stuck in this place in America where these spaces are semi-private or open and strictly gendered. I think we should start looking at it differently. I want all students to have a safe, clean, and private place to use the bathroom and a private place to shower/change after gym class or a game. As we prepare to upgrade our schools, I would like to see us look at some new institutional designs that would give all of our students these options.
