Sunday, February 16, 2025
At their first meeting of the year, Rockville Centre Board of Education trustees, legal counsel and the district superintendent addressed concerns about bathroom and locker room policies for transgender students, and reaffirmed the district’s adherence to state law.
Legal counsel Howard Miller explained that students are allowed to use bathroom and locker room facilities that align with their gender identity. “If any school district were to deny access to a child based on their gender identity, they will lose,” Miller said.
“The New York State Division of Human Rights has made it clear that discrimination against transgender students is prohibited, and the remedies for noncompliance are extremely harsh.”
Miller warned that violations could lead to significant financial consequences, including fines and the loss of state aid. He also emphasized that even though federal laws on transgender student rights are inconsistent, New York’s are unequivocal.
“We are bound to follow state law,” he said. “Any claim brought under the state’s Division of Human Rights would result in damages funded by taxpayers, and the amount could be staggering.”
Superintendent Matt Gaven outlined the measures the district has implemented to ensure safety and privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms.
He noted that bathrooms are monitored by staff, students sign in and out, and security cameras record who goes in and out. “The likelihood that we cannot respond to commotion in a bathroom within minutes is extremely small during the school day,” he said.
In locker rooms, Gaven added, the district provides private stalls, and is exploring additional options to accommodate students who feel uncomfortable changing in shared spaces.
“Our job is to respond to the needs of all our students,” he said.
“We also want to ensure that students know they have access to single-occupancy bathrooms for any reason at any time.”
Board President Kelly Barry emphasized trustees’ commitment to transparency and legal compliance. “We want to assure you that all of you have been heard,” she said. “We are bound within certain rules and regulations based on the New York State Education Department, and our role as board members is to uphold those obligations.”
The discussion followed weeks of heated public debate over the district’s compliance with state law on transgender rights. Residents voiced passionate opinions during the public comment period, reflecting the divide in the community.
Sarah Cooney, a mother of two boys in district schools, argued against the district’s policies, saying, “I am sick of being in this Orwellian crazy town where it’s deemed normal to say girls can go into boys’ bathrooms and vice versa. We all know that’s ridiculous.”
Cooney called for the exclusive use of single-stall occupancy bathrooms by transgender students, describing the current approach as a violation of others’ civil rights.
In contrast, several residents expressed strong support for the district’s policies. Allison Michaud, a mother of two girls in the district, highlighted the risks transgender students face.
“They are at the highest risk of suicide, mental health problems and assault,” Michaud said. “Crimes are not committed by trans students; they are committed against them.”
She urged empathy, and called on the district to enforce state law.
“We should all try to be a little bit more empathetic to those most in need in our community,” she said. “I just want members of our community to know that they are supported and loved.”
Karen Johnson, a representative of RVC Pride, a local LGBTQ advocacy group, said the opposition to updated policies is rooted in bias. “Many of the commenters who spoke against New York state law allowing transgender students to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity are simply against anything having to do with the transgender community,” she said.
Johnson praised the district’s approach, and encouraged transgender students to remain confident. “You belong in our schools,” she said. “You belong in our community. You are respected and valued.”
Other speakers shared personal experiences. Deborah Zuckerman, the mother of a transgender daughter, expressed gratitude to the district. “I know that she would have been so happy to be here,” Zuckerman said. “I am so grateful to this district.”
Thomas Hodge, a longtime resident, compared the current debate to opposition to sex education decades ago. “In 1963, we started to teach sex education, and we had the same difficulties we’re having now with people who just don’t understand,” he said.
Beth Amione, the mother of a former Rockville Centre student who is exploring their gender identity, spoke about the challenges their families face.
“It’s a struggle for parents. It’s a struggle for the child themselves,” Amione said. “I think we need to be a community about everyone’s justice and not just accuse people of kowtowing to the law.”
Despite the division among parents, Gaven praised district students for their respect and empathy.
“Our students care for each other and treat each other with respect,” he said. “It’s our job as adults to keep our kids safe so they can learn and succeed.”
