Plaintiff steps forward in co-ed locker room case

A high school sophomore who recently transferred to a Los Angeles school was shocked to find that when she went to her PE class she found that a boy – who identifies as a girl – was not only allowed to be in the girl’s PE class, but was also allowed to use the same locker room as the girls. 

This happens as a result of a California Law that requires schools to treat students and faculty as the gender they identify with, not their biological gender. It also allowed students to participate in school activities and use school facilities based on the gender they choose. Thus boys who identify as girls can legally participate in girls-only classes and activities and use the girls’ restrooms and locker rooms. Recently, the California State Assembly passed a bill which adds the opportunity for students to participate in sports teams regardless of gender. 

On last week’s program, Robert Taylor of Advocates for Faith and Freedom, discussed this law with us and expressed some frustration that no plaintiffs had come forward to challenge the law. The case above has changed all that. The young student and her mother are now being represented by Robert and he has contacted the school for corrective action, and is going to the legislature for modification of the law, and, if necessary, will take this matter to court.

Here is what has happened in this case:

Vanessa and the boy, Alex (not real names), both had lockers in the same row in the locker room – away from all of the other girls.  Shortly after she joined the class, Vanessa began to be harassed by Alex.  First of all, she had to change clothes in front of him, since changing into PE clothes was a requirement for the class.  Meanwhile, Alex rarely, if ever, changed his clothes.  He would watch Vanessa change and make comments on her appearance, even touching her hair. 

This situation understandably made Vanessa feel uncomfortable and quite vulnerable.  After awhile, Vanessa started sharing a locker with a friend, away from the isolated area that she had shared with Alex.

Vanessa soon became a target and was “bullied” by Alex and his friend.  At break times, Alex would often hang out in the girls’ restroom, making other girls uncomfortable, too.  One time, another female student said that Alex and a female friend of his stood over one of the bathroom stalls and looked into the next stall – where she was using the facilities!  When Vanessa would enter the restroom, Alex would frequently make her the subject of his verbal harassment, and even some physical intimidation.

So much for tolerance!  Let us pray for Vanessa as she deals with this and ask God to provide Robert Taylor with the courage and wisdom to bring this matter to a successful conclusion.