The Loudoun County School Board in Virginia abruptly cut off a public comment period Tuesday night, when some parents loudly protested a proposed transgender policy.
The county sheriff’s office said one person was arrested and another was cited for trespassing.
Board Chair Brenda Sheridan repeatedly warned against loud public demonstrations, and the board recessed for five minutes. Then, as disruptions continued, the board voted to end the public comment.
Speakers against the proposals claimed their views were not heard during the process. The crowd repeatedly cheered speakers who criticized school board members and denounced the plan that would provide bathroom and locker room access based on a student’s gender identity.
Transgender student athletes would also be allowed to participate on teams based on their gender identity, and teachers and staff would be required to use students’ preferred pronouns.
A reported 259 residents signed up to speak during the public comment session. The first six speakers were in support of the policy. One said that it hurt no one and would help some at-risk kids feel welcome at the school. With the seventh speaker, who said she was the mother of a transgender student, boos and protests erupted from those opposed.
PHOTO: A.J. Jelonek, CC via Wikimedia Commons