VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Parents held a rally Tuesday before the first Volusia County School Board meeting since President Donald Trump removed federal guidance for bathroom use by transgender students.
The parents were calling for the board to protect the rights of students to use a bathroom or locker room based on their gender identity.
While the issue was not on the agenda, parents spoke during the public comment period of the meeting to voice their support of transgender students’ rights.
While School Board Chairwoman Melody Johnson declined to comment on the issue, Vice Chair Linda Cuthbert said she hoped there would be a workshop soon to help board members better understand the issues transgender students face.
When asked if he would support allowing students to use a bathroom based on their gender identity, School Board Member Carl Persis said he believed “that’s a good first step.”