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.
