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Split D60 Board Backs Parental Rights

October 27, 2024

And then God Showed Up . . . On Thursday, October 22, the D60 Board of Education narrowly passed (3-2) a new policy that will allow students to choose names (and pronouns) that reflect their gender identity with parental notification. The policy implements the requirements of a new state law (HB24-1039) that was passed by the Democrat super-majority in April. While the law requires school districts to support a non-legal name change, the law allows school districts to develop their own policies. The law is silent in regards to parental involvement (in fact, the law does not contain the word “parent” or “guardian”). The law simply requires schools to implement policies that comply with the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - which interestingly guarantees that parents have the right to view all of their child’s educational records. In other words, schools cannot keep secrets from parents.
 
The policy that the D60 Board approves fully complies with the requirements of HB24-1039. It ensures that children who want to be called something different at school will be acknowledged and respected. The only thing controversial about the policy - as now approved - is a requirement that parents be notified - in other words, no secrets. Why was this controversial? Because LGBT activists who testified insisted that including parents would not be safe. Why? Because parents may not always affirm the child’s decision regarding their gender identity, and that would be harmful to the child. Schools, on the other hand, are safe.
 
Not involving parents would have set a dangerous precedent. There would be no end to the “rights” the child would be deemed to have to express their gender identity without involving parents in these extremely consequential decisions.
 
So what happened on Tuesday? The meeting room was at capacity - literally standing room only. About two-thirds of those in attendance were LGBT activists (they wanted to be identified). And when the meeting began - God showed up!

1. One of the D60 Directors (Dr. Kathy DiNiro) had let Susan Pannunzio (Board Chair) know she might not be able to attend, due to a family emergency. She was potentially the swing vote. Five minutes before the meeting started, she took her seat!

2. The room was subdued. No sign waving. No chants. No catcalls. Ten people made public testimony. Three people spoke in favor of parental notification. Seven supported the child’s choice without involving parents. People listened respectfully, clapped if they supported the testimony (LGBT activists clearly charged up, but respectful).

3. After some presentations and first reading of two new - unrelated - policies, the discussion of ACA (the non-legal name change policy) begins.

4. Two Directors (Bill Thiebaut and Dennis Maes) passionately defend the child’s right to decide, without an automatic notification to parents. Argue a novel legal concept: the law extends rights to the child by bypassing parents' rights.

5. Board Chair Susan Pannunzio passionately defends the rights of parents to know before the district complies with the student’s request.

6. Director Thiebaut introduces an amendment to strike the language for parental notification. Dennis Maes seconds.

7. Motion fails! Directors Brian Cisneros, Dr. DiNiro, and Susan vote NO!

8. Vote on the proposed policy. This is a second reading, so this vote counts! Policy (as presented by Superintendent Dr. Barbara Kimzey) includes automatic parental notification. Motion passes! Directors Maes and Thiebaut vote NO. Directors Cisneros, Dr. DiNiro, and Pannunzio vote YES!
 
So what’s next? Now with clarity on a policy that includes parental notification, Dr. Kimzey will come back to the Board with implementing regulations that will now have to include how parents will be notified and what happens if a parent declines to approve. Stay tuned!
 
Author John Zondlo

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