Idaho School Board Meeting Ends In Chaos Over Gender Policy

Mairead ElordiJanuary 10, 2023

After heated debates over a gender policy, a meeting of the Idaho school board was thrown into chaos. It ended on Monday.

Caldwell school district, located west of Boise abruptly shut down A heated public comment session was held on the state’s new policy on gender identity and orientation. It was initiated by frustrated parents. The policy was also discussed by a state lawmaker and a student. Many people attended. reportedly Line up to speak.

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One mom, who seemed to be Hispanic, said “we are conservatives” The policy was renamed “indoctrination into a cult” “immoral child exploitation.”

“It’s a constitutional right of the parents to raise their children with their own moral values and without the imposition of alternate lifestyles,” She spoke.

“The is an attack on God and family,” The mom continued. “The educational system has become a pawn for destroying our children, Christian culture, and the guarantee of freedoms in our republic.”

The Caldwell district’s new gender policy This would allow students to use restrooms and lockers that match their gender identity instead of their biological sex. School staff must conceal the student’s new gender identity from parents unless the parent has already worked with the school on a “plan” for accommodating the student’s gender identity, according to the policy. Transgender students on overnight trips may not be denied a room assignment based upon their gender identity. “transgender status,” The policy requires. School staff must also use a student’s preferred pronouns or be subject to discipline.

Marisela, the Chairperson of the School Board, repeatedly threatened to end the meeting if people didn’t stop applauding and voice their agreement with the speakers.

“We can stop this meeting. I’ve already asked you folks,” Pesina stated.

A former Caldwell teacher’s aide and school counselor whose children attended Caldwell schools spoke against the policy.

“As a school counselor, I know that children’s identity is transitory,” She spoke. “I think it’s a crime to encourage them to settle in on one thing just because it happens to be the mode of the day.”

Sixth-grade girl said that she didn’t want to go to the bathroom with boys.

“I don’t think that it’s right for a boy who feels like he’s a girl to change in the same room as the girls because it would make us all feel very uncomfortable changing with a boy,” She spoke.

Three students joined forces to support the gender policy. One of them shares a lastname with the school board chairwoman. This prompted a retort from the crowd.

“Any relation, Pesina?” One woman called out.

“Ma’am, this will be your first warning,” Pesina replied, pointing at her.

A senior woman spoke out in support of the policy and told the board that she appreciates their efforts. “courage” Parents should say “Yes” to these words “introspective” About why their children might not be able to identify as their gender with them.

Another woman asked the board to consult parents as part of the creation of the gender policy. The board heard from a passionate woman. “Everybody is going to answer to God one day. You’re not going to escape it.”

Brian Festa, a civil right attorney and father of a Caldwell student claimed that the gender identity policy violates religious liberty. A woman of older age who claims she has been living in the area since 1970, and her children attended Caldwell schools suggested separate bathrooms for transgender students.

“Otherwise we’ll just close the regular schools. It can be done. It’s been done,” She spoke.

The meeting ended when Chris Trakel, Idaho’s state senator, spoke up. His district includes the Caldwell region.

“Before you waste taxpayer money, before you put a kid in harm’s way, you better throw this policy out and not even consider —” Trakel spoke as Pesina leans over to talk to another member of the board.

“I’ve got the floor. Mrs. Pesina, will you please listen to me?” Trakel said. “You claim you want people to follow the rules, but you break the rules left and right.”

“Alright, we will recess,” Pesina replied, prompting the crowd to protest and some shouting. “Recall! Recall!”

“Can you turn him off?” Pesina said, pointing to Trakel’s microphone.

As parents shouted, the board voted to abort the meeting.

Recent years have seen school board meetings become a battleground to protect parental rights. Parents across the country are frustrated by this. Shown up Protest progressive gender policies at their local board meetings. Some even go as far as to protest the government. Claim The school transferred their children without their knowledge.

Recently, parents expressed frustration at a number of other issues, including the pandemic. learning lossPlease do not use this text. Sexual contentAnd inadequate school safety.