The Five school districts with Title IX violations, how much money do they stand to lose?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is not a fringe issue. Ww know to keep our mouths shut in public. Arlington taxpayers are not all the same. Just because someone doesn’t speak up at a Board meeting doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

You seem to think that there is some sort of “silent majority” that opposes this, but lacks the courage to stand up for its convictions. Sometimes the loudest and most numerous voices do really reflect the majority opinion. I generally keep my mouth shut in public because I don’t want to deal with death threats from MAGA pedophiles in flyover country, but I support 100% what the school board is doing.

.

Curious how folks who disagree with APS trans policy might be concerned about labeling from dogmatic progressives. You can hear yourself right?

Sorry if it hurts your feelings, but these anti-trans activists are absolutely unhinged and they are firing off death threats. They like to “protect women and girls” by threatening the lives of women and girls. I can’t make it make sense.

Most dems aren’t anti-trans, they just want them in their own space just like boys and girls have their own space.

Not most Ds in Arlington.

At a minimum, most Ds in Arlington support the rule of law. Not everyone is comfortable ignoring binding precedent simply because we don’t like the outcome. It’s not like this Administration has shown an ounce of respect for the rule of law or the Constitution. It’s fair to look at this outrageous, politically motivated demand from Trump and friends and wonder what’s next.

Histrionics about Trump and the admin are not persuasive to me on this issue. I am an Arlingtonian. I typically vote Democratic. I don’t like much of what the Admin is doing, but I definitely don’t like that APS has decided to spend taxpayer dollars on a really expensive law firm on enforcing gender based sex rules. Which by the way, everyone thinks the Supreme Court will overturn. So, in my view, they are just flushing our money down the toilet which could be spent on, I don’t know, foreign languages before 7th grade, theater programs, preschool, and a million other things that could benefit way more students. I feel like it’s posturing for the benefit of board members and the superintendent to further their own political agenda/career at the expense of most of our students.

And then what will you be screaming when my view IS the rule of law.

Yes, we understand that bigots support Trump’s actions. You have already told us 1 billion times. Fortunately, most of Arlington disagrees with you.

It depresses that in my own community I’m labeled a bigot for disagreeing with the APS transgender policy. I think it speaks volumes about how you/progressives approach issues. I would fully support remodeling all the schools to allow for single restrooms, like in many places where everyone could just use a bathroom without saying amy thing about one’s gender. But I am rational and know that we don’t have the money for this. I also know that this issue impacts only a very very small number of children in our jurisdiction, and I believe that a reasonable compromise is to offer those few children use of a private restroom. I dont think forcing all the girls to have trans kids in their restroom/locker room is a safe or healthy option. I don’t support Trump and I don’t believe this makes me a bigot. It does make voicing non progressive views in a public forum too uncomfortable for many of us. That’s a real shame.

the small number of kids bothered by this can use a private bathroom

This has been covered. Kids aren’t typically allowed to use private bathrooms without a “reason.” Most of us would be happy for our kids to do so.

And how do you know it’s a small number? You don’t think a lot of teen boys are uncomfortable using a urinal when a female may enter the bathroom?

Yes they are allowed to use the private restroom. Anyone can.

Which school does your child attend that has this policy? Those bathrooms are typically reserved for teachers/adults unless the student has a special reason.

How many trans kids in APS want to use the bathroom of the opposite sex? Like one? Even kids who view themselves as the opposite gender may not want to delve into a teenage locker room filled with boys/girls. For those tiny tiny number of children, wouldn’t it be reasonable to grant them access to a private bathroom rather than spend millions (?) on Wilkie to lose a court battle everyone knows they will lose.

It’s like religious holidays in APS, there is no correlation to the impact on actual students. It’s just: we are the most inclusive and progressive regardless of the cost for most children in our jurisdiction.

I would like to know these numbers as well… I don’t think it’s just one or 10 trans students by the way. I’m thinking at least around 100. The numbers have grown exponentially in just the last years. Likely APS knows the numbers, but wouldn’t share them. And yes, they will lose this battle and a lot of taxpayers money, but likely they also feared lawsuits had they not engaged.

The new post pandemic holiday days have also increased and we do not know how many students actually celebrate the different holidays. APS has just followed other jurisdictions on this. They may not know, because they are not tracking religious affiliations. However they are tracking ELL and they are aware of a very large increase in Arabic speakers. I’m surprised they haven’t added Lubar New Year. My only explanation for this is that APS as a secular school system interestingly is heavily invested in religious holidays vs. cultural holidays…

APS reports the demographics of students including gender. They’re online somewhere.

APS leadership is paying one of the most expensive law firms in the country a totally unknown amount of taxpayer dollars to protect either 1 or 100 children (or perhaps zero?) in our community who may or may not refuse to use a single stall bathroom.

FOIA the arrangement with the law firm. Search for the data online.

FOIA does not apply to state or county governments. It’s a federal law applicable to federal agencies.

There is nothing online. I have searched. Any mechanism you suggest I would certainly be willing to try.

How much do you even think they are spending? Most Wilkie litigation partners charge $2k+ for ONE HOUR of time. Do you know how many kids in APS could have breakfast?

FOIA definitely applies to APS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is not a fringe issue. Ww know to keep our mouths shut in public. Arlington taxpayers are not all the same. Just because someone doesn’t speak up at a Board meeting doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

You seem to think that there is some sort of “silent majority” that opposes this, but lacks the courage to stand up for its convictions. Sometimes the loudest and most numerous voices do really reflect the majority opinion. I generally keep my mouth shut in public because I don’t want to deal with death threats from MAGA pedophiles in flyover country, but I support 100% what the school board is doing.

.

Curious how folks who disagree with APS trans policy might be concerned about labeling from dogmatic progressives. You can hear yourself right?

Sorry if it hurts your feelings, but these anti-trans activists are absolutely unhinged and they are firing off death threats. They like to “protect women and girls” by threatening the lives of women and girls. I can’t make it make sense.

Most dems aren’t anti-trans, they just want them in their own space just like boys and girls have their own space.

Not most Ds in Arlington.

At a minimum, most Ds in Arlington support the rule of law. Not everyone is comfortable ignoring binding precedent simply because we don’t like the outcome. It’s not like this Administration has shown an ounce of respect for the rule of law or the Constitution. It’s fair to look at this outrageous, politically motivated demand from Trump and friends and wonder what’s next.

Histrionics about Trump and the admin are not persuasive to me on this issue. I am an Arlingtonian. I typically vote Democratic. I don’t like much of what the Admin is doing, but I definitely don’t like that APS has decided to spend taxpayer dollars on a really expensive law firm on enforcing gender based sex rules. Which by the way, everyone thinks the Supreme Court will overturn. So, in my view, they are just flushing our money down the toilet which could be spent on, I don’t know, foreign languages before 7th grade, theater programs, preschool, and a million other things that could benefit way more students. I feel like it’s posturing for the benefit of board members and the superintendent to further their own political agenda/career at the expense of most of our students.

And then what will you be screaming when my view IS the rule of law.

Yes, we understand that bigots support Trump’s actions. You have already told us 1 billion times. Fortunately, most of Arlington disagrees with you.

It depresses that in my own community I’m labeled a bigot for disagreeing with the APS transgender policy. I think it speaks volumes about how you/progressives approach issues. I would fully support remodeling all the schools to allow for single restrooms, like in many places where everyone could just use a bathroom without saying amy thing about one’s gender. But I am rational and know that we don’t have the money for this. I also know that this issue impacts only a very very small number of children in our jurisdiction, and I believe that a reasonable compromise is to offer those few children use of a private restroom. I dont think forcing all the girls to have trans kids in their restroom/locker room is a safe or healthy option. I don’t support Trump and I don’t believe this makes me a bigot. It does make voicing non progressive views in a public forum too uncomfortable for many of us. That’s a real shame.

the small number of kids bothered by this can use a private bathroom

This has been covered. Kids aren’t typically allowed to use private bathrooms without a “reason.” Most of us would be happy for our kids to do so.

And how do you know it’s a small number? You don’t think a lot of teen boys are uncomfortable using a urinal when a female may enter the bathroom?

Yes they are allowed to use the private restroom. Anyone can.

Which school does your child attend that has this policy? Those bathrooms are typically reserved for teachers/adults unless the student has a special reason.

How many trans kids in APS want to use the bathroom of the opposite sex? Like one? Even kids who view themselves as the opposite gender may not want to delve into a teenage locker room filled with boys/girls. For those tiny tiny number of children, wouldn’t it be reasonable to grant them access to a private bathroom rather than spend millions (?) on Wilkie to lose a court battle everyone knows they will lose.

It’s like religious holidays in APS, there is no correlation to the impact on actual students. It’s just: we are the most inclusive and progressive regardless of the cost for most children in our jurisdiction.

I would like to know these numbers as well… I don’t think it’s just one or 10 trans students by the way. I’m thinking at least around 100. The numbers have grown exponentially in just the last years. Likely APS knows the numbers, but wouldn’t share them. And yes, they will lose this battle and a lot of taxpayers money, but likely they also feared lawsuits had they not engaged.

The new post pandemic holiday days have also increased and we do not know how many students actually celebrate the different holidays. APS has just followed other jurisdictions on this. They may not know, because they are not tracking religious affiliations. However they are tracking ELL and they are aware of a very large increase in Arabic speakers. I’m surprised they haven’t added Lubar New Year. My only explanation for this is that APS as a secular school system interestingly is heavily invested in religious holidays vs. cultural holidays…

APS reports the demographics of students including gender. They’re online somewhere.

APS leadership is paying one of the most expensive law firms in the country a totally unknown amount of taxpayer dollars to protect either 1 or 100 children (or perhaps zero?) in our community who may or may not refuse to use a single stall bathroom.

Here I fixed it for you -
The Trump Admin is going after a school district for following the law. The school district is forced to defend itself to keep its funding.

Fixed it for you-
The Trump administration is continuing the Biden Administration’s policy of defunding public schools on the issue of sex-based rights.

Show me where the Biden admin did what Trump is doing to school districts. I'll wait.

Already been posted multiple times. Try to keep up.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/04/us/title-nine-schools-transgender.html

https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_d19aeb72-8fc9-11ee-9ac0-97e018719444.html


https://www.realcleareducation.com/2022/06/07/biden_admin_ties_school_lunch_funding_to_transgender_mandates_51310.html

Biden admin never gave them a 10 day deadline and never actually yanked money like Trump.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is not a fringe issue. Ww know to keep our mouths shut in public. Arlington taxpayers are not all the same. Just because someone doesn’t speak up at a Board meeting doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

You seem to think that there is some sort of “silent majority” that opposes this, but lacks the courage to stand up for its convictions. Sometimes the loudest and most numerous voices do really reflect the majority opinion. I generally keep my mouth shut in public because I don’t want to deal with death threats from MAGA pedophiles in flyover country, but I support 100% what the school board is doing.

.

Curious how folks who disagree with APS trans policy might be concerned about labeling from dogmatic progressives. You can hear yourself right?

Sorry if it hurts your feelings, but these anti-trans activists are absolutely unhinged and they are firing off death threats. They like to “protect women and girls” by threatening the lives of women and girls. I can’t make it make sense.

Most dems aren’t anti-trans, they just want them in their own space just like boys and girls have their own space.

Not most Ds in Arlington.

At a minimum, most Ds in Arlington support the rule of law. Not everyone is comfortable ignoring binding precedent simply because we don’t like the outcome. It’s not like this Administration has shown an ounce of respect for the rule of law or the Constitution. It’s fair to look at this outrageous, politically motivated demand from Trump and friends and wonder what’s next.

Histrionics about Trump and the admin are not persuasive to me on this issue. I am an Arlingtonian. I typically vote Democratic. I don’t like much of what the Admin is doing, but I definitely don’t like that APS has decided to spend taxpayer dollars on a really expensive law firm on enforcing gender based sex rules. Which by the way, everyone thinks the Supreme Court will overturn. So, in my view, they are just flushing our money down the toilet which could be spent on, I don’t know, foreign languages before 7th grade, theater programs, preschool, and a million other things that could benefit way more students. I feel like it’s posturing for the benefit of board members and the superintendent to further their own political agenda/career at the expense of most of our students.

And then what will you be screaming when my view IS the rule of law.

Yes, we understand that bigots support Trump’s actions. You have already told us 1 billion times. Fortunately, most of Arlington disagrees with you.

It depresses that in my own community I’m labeled a bigot for disagreeing with the APS transgender policy. I think it speaks volumes about how you/progressives approach issues. I would fully support remodeling all the schools to allow for single restrooms, like in many places where everyone could just use a bathroom without saying amy thing about one’s gender. But I am rational and know that we don’t have the money for this. I also know that this issue impacts only a very very small number of children in our jurisdiction, and I believe that a reasonable compromise is to offer those few children use of a private restroom. I dont think forcing all the girls to have trans kids in their restroom/locker room is a safe or healthy option. I don’t support Trump and I don’t believe this makes me a bigot. It does make voicing non progressive views in a public forum too uncomfortable for many of us. That’s a real shame.

the small number of kids bothered by this can use a private bathroom

This has been covered. Kids aren’t typically allowed to use private bathrooms without a “reason.” Most of us would be happy for our kids to do so.

And how do you know it’s a small number? You don’t think a lot of teen boys are uncomfortable using a urinal when a female may enter the bathroom?

Yes they are allowed to use the private restroom. Anyone can.

Which school does your child attend that has this policy? Those bathrooms are typically reserved for teachers/adults unless the student has a special reason.

How many trans kids in APS want to use the bathroom of the opposite sex? Like one? Even kids who view themselves as the opposite gender may not want to delve into a teenage locker room filled with boys/girls. For those tiny tiny number of children, wouldn’t it be reasonable to grant them access to a private bathroom rather than spend millions (?) on Wilkie to lose a court battle everyone knows they will lose.

It’s like religious holidays in APS, there is no correlation to the impact on actual students. It’s just: we are the most inclusive and progressive regardless of the cost for most children in our jurisdiction.

I would like to know these numbers as well… I don’t think it’s just one or 10 trans students by the way. I’m thinking at least around 100. The numbers have grown exponentially in just the last years. Likely APS knows the numbers, but wouldn’t share them. And yes, they will lose this battle and a lot of taxpayers money, but likely they also feared lawsuits had they not engaged.

The new post pandemic holiday days have also increased and we do not know how many students actually celebrate the different holidays. APS has just followed other jurisdictions on this. They may not know, because they are not tracking religious affiliations. However they are tracking ELL and they are aware of a very large increase in Arabic speakers. I’m surprised they haven’t added Lubar New Year. My only explanation for this is that APS as a secular school system interestingly is heavily invested in religious holidays vs. cultural holidays…

APS reports the demographics of students including gender. They’re online somewhere.

APS leadership is paying one of the most expensive law firms in the country a totally unknown amount of taxpayer dollars to protect either 1 or 100 children (or perhaps zero?) in our community who may or may not refuse to use a single stall bathroom.

FOIA the arrangement with the law firm. Search for the data online.

FOIA does not apply to state or county governments. It’s a federal law applicable to federal agencies.

There is nothing online. I have searched. Any mechanism you suggest I would certainly be willing to try.

How much do you even think they are spending? Most Wilkie litigation partners charge $2k+ for ONE HOUR of time. Do you know how many kids in APS could have breakfast?

Our schools could devote more of their energy towards teaching and supporting our kids if the trash MAGA king stopped attacking vulnerable kids to score political points with bigots.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is not a fringe issue. Ww know to keep our mouths shut in public. Arlington taxpayers are not all the same. Just because someone doesn’t speak up at a Board meeting doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

You seem to think that there is some sort of “silent majority” that opposes this, but lacks the courage to stand up for its convictions. Sometimes the loudest and most numerous voices do really reflect the majority opinion. I generally keep my mouth shut in public because I don’t want to deal with death threats from MAGA pedophiles in flyover country, but I support 100% what the school board is doing.

.

Curious how folks who disagree with APS trans policy might be concerned about labeling from dogmatic progressives. You can hear yourself right?

Sorry if it hurts your feelings, but these anti-trans activists are absolutely unhinged and they are firing off death threats. They like to “protect women and girls” by threatening the lives of women and girls. I can’t make it make sense.

Most dems aren’t anti-trans, they just want them in their own space just like boys and girls have their own space.

Not most Ds in Arlington.

At a minimum, most Ds in Arlington support the rule of law. Not everyone is comfortable ignoring binding precedent simply because we don’t like the outcome. It’s not like this Administration has shown an ounce of respect for the rule of law or the Constitution. It’s fair to look at this outrageous, politically motivated demand from Trump and friends and wonder what’s next.

Histrionics about Trump and the admin are not persuasive to me on this issue. I am an Arlingtonian. I typically vote Democratic. I don’t like much of what the Admin is doing, but I definitely don’t like that APS has decided to spend taxpayer dollars on a really expensive law firm on enforcing gender based sex rules. Which by the way, everyone thinks the Supreme Court will overturn. So, in my view, they are just flushing our money down the toilet which could be spent on, I don’t know, foreign languages before 7th grade, theater programs, preschool, and a million other things that could benefit way more students. I feel like it’s posturing for the benefit of board members and the superintendent to further their own political agenda/career at the expense of most of our students.

And then what will you be screaming when my view IS the rule of law.

Yes, we understand that bigots support Trump’s actions. You have already told us 1 billion times. Fortunately, most of Arlington disagrees with you.

It depresses that in my own community I’m labeled a bigot for disagreeing with the APS transgender policy. I think it speaks volumes about how you/progressives approach issues. I would fully support remodeling all the schools to allow for single restrooms, like in many places where everyone could just use a bathroom without saying amy thing about one’s gender. But I am rational and know that we don’t have the money for this. I also know that this issue impacts only a very very small number of children in our jurisdiction, and I believe that a reasonable compromise is to offer those few children use of a private restroom. I dont think forcing all the girls to have trans kids in their restroom/locker room is a safe or healthy option. I don’t support Trump and I don’t believe this makes me a bigot. It does make voicing non progressive views in a public forum too uncomfortable for many of us. That’s a real shame.

the small number of kids bothered by this can use a private bathroom

This has been covered. Kids aren’t typically allowed to use private bathrooms without a “reason.” Most of us would be happy for our kids to do so.

And how do you know it’s a small number? You don’t think a lot of teen boys are uncomfortable using a urinal when a female may enter the bathroom?

Yes they are allowed to use the private restroom. Anyone can.

Which school does your child attend that has this policy? Those bathrooms are typically reserved for teachers/adults unless the student has a special reason.

How many trans kids in APS want to use the bathroom of the opposite sex? Like one? Even kids who view themselves as the opposite gender may not want to delve into a teenage locker room filled with boys/girls. For those tiny tiny number of children, wouldn’t it be reasonable to grant them access to a private bathroom rather than spend millions (?) on Wilkie to lose a court battle everyone knows they will lose.

It’s like religious holidays in APS, there is no correlation to the impact on actual students. It’s just: we are the most inclusive and progressive regardless of the cost for most children in our jurisdiction.

I would like to know these numbers as well… I don’t think it’s just one or 10 trans students by the way. I’m thinking at least around 100. The numbers have grown exponentially in just the last years. Likely APS knows the numbers, but wouldn’t share them. And yes, they will lose this battle and a lot of taxpayers money, but likely they also feared lawsuits had they not engaged.

The new post pandemic holiday days have also increased and we do not know how many students actually celebrate the different holidays. APS has just followed other jurisdictions on this. They may not know, because they are not tracking religious affiliations. However they are tracking ELL and they are aware of a very large increase in Arabic speakers. I’m surprised they haven’t added Lubar New Year. My only explanation for this is that APS as a secular school system interestingly is heavily invested in religious holidays vs. cultural holidays…

APS reports the demographics of students including gender. They’re online somewhere.

APS leadership is paying one of the most expensive law firms in the country a totally unknown amount of taxpayer dollars to protect either 1 or 100 children (or perhaps zero?) in our community who may or may not refuse to use a single stall bathroom.

FOIA the arrangement with the law firm. Search for the data online.

FOIA does not apply to state or county governments. It’s a federal law applicable to federal agencies.

There is nothing online. I have searched. Any mechanism you suggest I would certainly be willing to try.

How much do you even think they are spending? Most Wilkie litigation partners charge $2k+ for ONE HOUR of time. Do you know how many kids in APS could have breakfast?

Our schools could devote more of their energy towards teaching and supporting our kids if the trash MAGA king stopped attacking vulnerable kids to score political points with bigots.

Yup. So in the words of our first openly transgender Member of Congress: stop taking the bait. Build/make available more bathrooms and move on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is not a fringe issue. Ww know to keep our mouths shut in public. Arlington taxpayers are not all the same. Just because someone doesn’t speak up at a Board meeting doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

You seem to think that there is some sort of “silent majority” that opposes this, but lacks the courage to stand up for its convictions. Sometimes the loudest and most numerous voices do really reflect the majority opinion. I generally keep my mouth shut in public because I don’t want to deal with death threats from MAGA pedophiles in flyover country, but I support 100% what the school board is doing.

.

Curious how folks who disagree with APS trans policy might be concerned about labeling from dogmatic progressives. You can hear yourself right?

Sorry if it hurts your feelings, but these anti-trans activists are absolutely unhinged and they are firing off death threats. They like to “protect women and girls” by threatening the lives of women and girls. I can’t make it make sense.

Most dems aren’t anti-trans, they just want them in their own space just like boys and girls have their own space.

Not most Ds in Arlington.

At a minimum, most Ds in Arlington support the rule of law. Not everyone is comfortable ignoring binding precedent simply because we don’t like the outcome. It’s not like this Administration has shown an ounce of respect for the rule of law or the Constitution. It’s fair to look at this outrageous, politically motivated demand from Trump and friends and wonder what’s next.

Histrionics about Trump and the admin are not persuasive to me on this issue. I am an Arlingtonian. I typically vote Democratic. I don’t like much of what the Admin is doing, but I definitely don’t like that APS has decided to spend taxpayer dollars on a really expensive law firm on enforcing gender based sex rules. Which by the way, everyone thinks the Supreme Court will overturn. So, in my view, they are just flushing our money down the toilet which could be spent on, I don’t know, foreign languages before 7th grade, theater programs, preschool, and a million other things that could benefit way more students. I feel like it’s posturing for the benefit of board members and the superintendent to further their own political agenda/career at the expense of most of our students.

And then what will you be screaming when my view IS the rule of law.

Yes, we understand that bigots support Trump’s actions. You have already told us 1 billion times. Fortunately, most of Arlington disagrees with you.

It depresses that in my own community I’m labeled a bigot for disagreeing with the APS transgender policy. I think it speaks volumes about how you/progressives approach issues. I would fully support remodeling all the schools to allow for single restrooms, like in many places where everyone could just use a bathroom without saying amy thing about one’s gender. But I am rational and know that we don’t have the money for this. I also know that this issue impacts only a very very small number of children in our jurisdiction, and I believe that a reasonable compromise is to offer those few children use of a private restroom. I dont think forcing all the girls to have trans kids in their restroom/locker room is a safe or healthy option. I don’t support Trump and I don’t believe this makes me a bigot. It does make voicing non progressive views in a public forum too uncomfortable for many of us. That’s a real shame.

the small number of kids bothered by this can use a private bathroom

This has been covered. Kids aren’t typically allowed to use private bathrooms without a “reason.” Most of us would be happy for our kids to do so.

And how do you know it’s a small number? You don’t think a lot of teen boys are uncomfortable using a urinal when a female may enter the bathroom?

Yes they are allowed to use the private restroom. Anyone can.

Which school does your child attend that has this policy? Those bathrooms are typically reserved for teachers/adults unless the student has a special reason.

How many trans kids in APS want to use the bathroom of the opposite sex? Like one? Even kids who view themselves as the opposite gender may not want to delve into a teenage locker room filled with boys/girls. For those tiny tiny number of children, wouldn’t it be reasonable to grant them access to a private bathroom rather than spend millions (?) on Wilkie to lose a court battle everyone knows they will lose.

It’s like religious holidays in APS, there is no correlation to the impact on actual students. It’s just: we are the most inclusive and progressive regardless of the cost for most children in our jurisdiction.

I would like to know these numbers as well… I don’t think it’s just one or 10 trans students by the way. I’m thinking at least around 100. The numbers have grown exponentially in just the last years. Likely APS knows the numbers, but wouldn’t share them. And yes, they will lose this battle and a lot of taxpayers money, but likely they also feared lawsuits had they not engaged.

The new post pandemic holiday days have also increased and we do not know how many students actually celebrate the different holidays. APS has just followed other jurisdictions on this. They may not know, because they are not tracking religious affiliations. However they are tracking ELL and they are aware of a very large increase in Arabic speakers. I’m surprised they haven’t added Lubar New Year. My only explanation for this is that APS as a secular school system interestingly is heavily invested in religious holidays vs. cultural holidays…

APS reports the demographics of students including gender. They’re online somewhere.

APS leadership is paying one of the most expensive law firms in the country a totally unknown amount of taxpayer dollars to protect either 1 or 100 children (or perhaps zero?) in our community who may or may not refuse to use a single stall bathroom.

FOIA the arrangement with the law firm. Search for the data online.

FOIA does not apply to state or county governments. It’s a federal law applicable to federal agencies.

There is nothing online. I have searched. Any mechanism you suggest I would certainly be willing to try.

How much do you even think they are spending? Most Wilkie litigation partners charge $2k+ for ONE HOUR of time. Do you know how many kids in APS could have breakfast?

Our schools could devote more of their energy towards teaching and supporting our kids if the trash MAGA king stopped attacking vulnerable kids to score political points with bigots.

Yup. So in the words of our first openly transgender Member of Congress: stop taking the bait. Build/make available more bathrooms and move on.

By all means, I hope this happens. Unfortunately We all know that won’t solve the problem. Trans activists are not satisfied with single individual use spaces. They demand the right to colonize women’s and girls single sex spaces as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is not a fringe issue. Ww know to keep our mouths shut in public. Arlington taxpayers are not all the same. Just because someone doesn’t speak up at a Board meeting doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

You seem to think that there is some sort of “silent majority” that opposes this, but lacks the courage to stand up for its convictions. Sometimes the loudest and most numerous voices do really reflect the majority opinion. I generally keep my mouth shut in public because I don’t want to deal with death threats from MAGA pedophiles in flyover country, but I support 100% what the school board is doing.

.

Curious how folks who disagree with APS trans policy might be concerned about labeling from dogmatic progressives. You can hear yourself right?

Sorry if it hurts your feelings, but these anti-trans activists are absolutely unhinged and they are firing off death threats. They like to “protect women and girls” by threatening the lives of women and girls. I can’t make it make sense.

Most dems aren’t anti-trans, they just want them in their own space just like boys and girls have their own space.

Not most Ds in Arlington.

At a minimum, most Ds in Arlington support the rule of law. Not everyone is comfortable ignoring binding precedent simply because we don’t like the outcome. It’s not like this Administration has shown an ounce of respect for the rule of law or the Constitution. It’s fair to look at this outrageous, politically motivated demand from Trump and friends and wonder what’s next.

Histrionics about Trump and the admin are not persuasive to me on this issue. I am an Arlingtonian. I typically vote Democratic. I don’t like much of what the Admin is doing, but I definitely don’t like that APS has decided to spend taxpayer dollars on a really expensive law firm on enforcing gender based sex rules. Which by the way, everyone thinks the Supreme Court will overturn. So, in my view, they are just flushing our money down the toilet which could be spent on, I don’t know, foreign languages before 7th grade, theater programs, preschool, and a million other things that could benefit way more students. I feel like it’s posturing for the benefit of board members and the superintendent to further their own political agenda/career at the expense of most of our students.

And then what will you be screaming when my view IS the rule of law.

Yes, we understand that bigots support Trump’s actions. You have already told us 1 billion times. Fortunately, most of Arlington disagrees with you.

It depresses that in my own community I’m labeled a bigot for disagreeing with the APS transgender policy. I think it speaks volumes about how you/progressives approach issues. I would fully support remodeling all the schools to allow for single restrooms, like in many places where everyone could just use a bathroom without saying amy thing about one’s gender. But I am rational and know that we don’t have the money for this. I also know that this issue impacts only a very very small number of children in our jurisdiction, and I believe that a reasonable compromise is to offer those few children use of a private restroom. I dont think forcing all the girls to have trans kids in their restroom/locker room is a safe or healthy option. I don’t support Trump and I don’t believe this makes me a bigot. It does make voicing non progressive views in a public forum too uncomfortable for many of us. That’s a real shame.

the small number of kids bothered by this can use a private bathroom

This has been covered. Kids aren’t typically allowed to use private bathrooms without a “reason.” Most of us would be happy for our kids to do so.

And how do you know it’s a small number? You don’t think a lot of teen boys are uncomfortable using a urinal when a female may enter the bathroom?

Yes they are allowed to use the private restroom. Anyone can.

Which school does your child attend that has this policy? Those bathrooms are typically reserved for teachers/adults unless the student has a special reason.

How many trans kids in APS want to use the bathroom of the opposite sex? Like one? Even kids who view themselves as the opposite gender may not want to delve into a teenage locker room filled with boys/girls. For those tiny tiny number of children, wouldn’t it be reasonable to grant them access to a private bathroom rather than spend millions (?) on Wilkie to lose a court battle everyone knows they will lose.

It’s like religious holidays in APS, there is no correlation to the impact on actual students. It’s just: we are the most inclusive and progressive regardless of the cost for most children in our jurisdiction.

I would like to know these numbers as well… I don’t think it’s just one or 10 trans students by the way. I’m thinking at least around 100. The numbers have grown exponentially in just the last years. Likely APS knows the numbers, but wouldn’t share them. And yes, they will lose this battle and a lot of taxpayers money, but likely they also feared lawsuits had they not engaged.

The new post pandemic holiday days have also increased and we do not know how many students actually celebrate the different holidays. APS has just followed other jurisdictions on this. They may not know, because they are not tracking religious affiliations. However they are tracking ELL and they are aware of a very large increase in Arabic speakers. I’m surprised they haven’t added Lubar New Year. My only explanation for this is that APS as a secular school system interestingly is heavily invested in religious holidays vs. cultural holidays…

APS reports the demographics of students including gender. They’re online somewhere.

APS leadership is paying one of the most expensive law firms in the country a totally unknown amount of taxpayer dollars to protect either 1 or 100 children (or perhaps zero?) in our community who may or may not refuse to use a single stall bathroom.

FOIA the arrangement with the law firm. Search for the data online.

FOIA does not apply to state or county governments. It’s a federal law applicable to federal agencies.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has a state FOIA law that absolutely does apply to the state, to counties, to towns, to cities, to public schools, and to other state institutions. I am acquainted with someone who successfully used it with FCPS (on an matter unrelated to this).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is not a fringe issue. Ww know to keep our mouths shut in public. Arlington taxpayers are not all the same. Just because someone doesn’t speak up at a Board meeting doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

You seem to think that there is some sort of “silent majority” that opposes this, but lacks the courage to stand up for its convictions. Sometimes the loudest and most numerous voices do really reflect the majority opinion. I generally keep my mouth shut in public because I don’t want to deal with death threats from MAGA pedophiles in flyover country, but I support 100% what the school board is doing.

.

Curious how folks who disagree with APS trans policy might be concerned about labeling from dogmatic progressives. You can hear yourself right?

Sorry if it hurts your feelings, but these anti-trans activists are absolutely unhinged and they are firing off death threats. They like to “protect women and girls” by threatening the lives of women and girls. I can’t make it make sense.

Most dems aren’t anti-trans, they just want them in their own space just like boys and girls have their own space.

Not most Ds in Arlington.

At a minimum, most Ds in Arlington support the rule of law. Not everyone is comfortable ignoring binding precedent simply because we don’t like the outcome. It’s not like this Administration has shown an ounce of respect for the rule of law or the Constitution. It’s fair to look at this outrageous, politically motivated demand from Trump and friends and wonder what’s next.

Histrionics about Trump and the admin are not persuasive to me on this issue. I am an Arlingtonian. I typically vote Democratic. I don’t like much of what the Admin is doing, but I definitely don’t like that APS has decided to spend taxpayer dollars on a really expensive law firm on enforcing gender based sex rules. Which by the way, everyone thinks the Supreme Court will overturn. So, in my view, they are just flushing our money down the toilet which could be spent on, I don’t know, foreign languages before 7th grade, theater programs, preschool, and a million other things that could benefit way more students. I feel like it’s posturing for the benefit of board members and the superintendent to further their own political agenda/career at the expense of most of our students.

And then what will you be screaming when my view IS the rule of law.

Yes, we understand that bigots support Trump’s actions. You have already told us 1 billion times. Fortunately, most of Arlington disagrees with you.

It depresses that in my own community I’m labeled a bigot for disagreeing with the APS transgender policy. I think it speaks volumes about how you/progressives approach issues. I would fully support remodeling all the schools to allow for single restrooms, like in many places where everyone could just use a bathroom without saying amy thing about one’s gender. But I am rational and know that we don’t have the money for this. I also know that this issue impacts only a very very small number of children in our jurisdiction, and I believe that a reasonable compromise is to offer those few children use of a private restroom. I dont think forcing all the girls to have trans kids in their restroom/locker room is a safe or healthy option. I don’t support Trump and I don’t believe this makes me a bigot. It does make voicing non progressive views in a public forum too uncomfortable for many of us. That’s a real shame.

the small number of kids bothered by this can use a private bathroom

This has been covered. Kids aren’t typically allowed to use private bathrooms without a “reason.” Most of us would be happy for our kids to do so.

And how do you know it’s a small number? You don’t think a lot of teen boys are uncomfortable using a urinal when a female may enter the bathroom?

Yes they are allowed to use the private restroom. Anyone can.

Which school does your child attend that has this policy? Those bathrooms are typically reserved for teachers/adults unless the student has a special reason.

How many trans kids in APS want to use the bathroom of the opposite sex? Like one? Even kids who view themselves as the opposite gender may not want to delve into a teenage locker room filled with boys/girls. For those tiny tiny number of children, wouldn’t it be reasonable to grant them access to a private bathroom rather than spend millions (?) on Wilkie to lose a court battle everyone knows they will lose.

It’s like religious holidays in APS, there is no correlation to the impact on actual students. It’s just: we are the most inclusive and progressive regardless of the cost for most children in our jurisdiction.

I would like to know these numbers as well… I don’t think it’s just one or 10 trans students by the way. I’m thinking at least around 100. The numbers have grown exponentially in just the last years. Likely APS knows the numbers, but wouldn’t share them. And yes, they will lose this battle and a lot of taxpayers money, but likely they also feared lawsuits had they not engaged.

The new post pandemic holiday days have also increased and we do not know how many students actually celebrate the different holidays. APS has just followed other jurisdictions on this. They may not know, because they are not tracking religious affiliations. However they are tracking ELL and they are aware of a very large increase in Arabic speakers. I’m surprised they haven’t added Lubar New Year. My only explanation for this is that APS as a secular school system interestingly is heavily invested in religious holidays vs. cultural holidays…

APS reports the demographics of students including gender. They’re online somewhere.

APS leadership is paying one of the most expensive law firms in the country a totally unknown amount of taxpayer dollars to protect either 1 or 100 children (or perhaps zero?) in our community who may or may not refuse to use a single stall bathroom.

FOIA the arrangement with the law firm. Search for the data online.

FOIA does not apply to state or county governments. It’s a federal law applicable to federal agencies.

There is nothing online. I have searched. Any mechanism you suggest I would certainly be willing to try.

How much do you even think they are spending? Most Wilkie litigation partners charge $2k+ for ONE HOUR of time. Do you know how many kids in APS could have breakfast?

Our schools could devote more of their energy towards teaching and supporting our kids if the trash MAGA king stopped attacking vulnerable kids to score political points with bigots.

Yup. So in the words of our first openly transgender Member of Congress: stop taking the bait. Build/make available more bathrooms and move on.

Sure. Everyone wants more bathrooms. But don’t break the law just because the mob boss is threatening you.

[Anonymous]

If there are already bathrooms they can use, single use or chose one to be mixed gender and others to be single sex use. There should not be money wasted on this issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If there are already bathrooms they can use, single use or chose one to be mixed gender and others to be single sex use. There should not be money wasted on this issue.

No, there shouldn’t be. Someone should stop Trump.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If there are already bathrooms they can use, single use or chose one to be mixed gender and others to be single sex use. There should not be money wasted on this issue.

Trans person has sued over having to use the single use bathrooms. That is not good enough. They want in the girls rooms!

And the Supreme Court backed the trans kid yesterday. Send your own kid to the single use bathroom if they are too homophobic to be around a trans kid. But I’m guessing your kid doesn’t have a problem. It’s you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If there are already bathrooms they can use, single use or chose one to be mixed gender and others to be single sex use. There should not be money wasted on this issue.

Trans person has sued over having to use the single use bathrooms. That is not good enough. They want in the girls rooms!

And the Supreme Court backed the trans kid yesterday. Send your own kid to the single use bathroom if they are too homophobic to be around a trans kid. But I’m guessing your kid doesn’t have a problem. It’s you.

They’re waiting for a trans girl case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If there are already bathrooms they can use, single use or chose one to be mixed gender and others to be single sex use. There should not be money wasted on this issue.

Trans person has sued over having to use the single use bathrooms. That is not good enough. They want in the girls rooms!

And the Supreme Court backed the trans kid yesterday. Send your own kid to the single use bathroom if they are too homophobic to be around a trans kid. But I’m guessing your kid doesn’t have a problem. It’s you.

Are trans and homosexual synonymous now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If there are already bathrooms they can use, single use or chose one to be mixed gender and others to be single sex use. There should not be money wasted on this issue.

Trans person has sued over having to use the single use bathrooms. That is not good enough. They want in the girls rooms!

And the Supreme Court backed the trans kid yesterday. Send your own kid to the single use bathroom if they are too homophobic to be around a trans kid. But I’m guessing your kid doesn’t have a problem. It’s you.

Are trans and homosexual synonymous now?

Transphobic?

Bigot covers both.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is not a fringe issue. Ww know to keep our mouths shut in public. Arlington taxpayers are not all the same. Just because someone doesn’t speak up at a Board meeting doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

You seem to think that there is some sort of “silent majority” that opposes this, but lacks the courage to stand up for its convictions. Sometimes the loudest and most numerous voices do really reflect the majority opinion. I generally keep my mouth shut in public because I don’t want to deal with death threats from MAGA pedophiles in flyover country, but I support 100% what the school board is doing.

.

Curious how folks who disagree with APS trans policy might be concerned about labeling from dogmatic progressives. You can hear yourself right?

Sorry if it hurts your feelings, but these anti-trans activists are absolutely unhinged and they are firing off death threats. They like to “protect women and girls” by threatening the lives of women and girls. I can’t make it make sense.

Most dems aren’t anti-trans, they just want them in their own space just like boys and girls have their own space.

Not most Ds in Arlington.

At a minimum, most Ds in Arlington support the rule of law. Not everyone is comfortable ignoring binding precedent simply because we don’t like the outcome. It’s not like this Administration has shown an ounce of respect for the rule of law or the Constitution. It’s fair to look at this outrageous, politically motivated demand from Trump and friends and wonder what’s next.

Histrionics about Trump and the admin are not persuasive to me on this issue. I am an Arlingtonian. I typically vote Democratic. I don’t like much of what the Admin is doing, but I definitely don’t like that APS has decided to spend taxpayer dollars on a really expensive law firm on enforcing gender based sex rules. Which by the way, everyone thinks the Supreme Court will overturn. So, in my view, they are just flushing our money down the toilet which could be spent on, I don’t know, foreign languages before 7th grade, theater programs, preschool, and a million other things that could benefit way more students. I feel like it’s posturing for the benefit of board members and the superintendent to further their own political agenda/career at the expense of most of our students.

And then what will you be screaming when my view IS the rule of law.

Yes, we understand that bigots support Trump’s actions. You have already told us 1 billion times. Fortunately, most of Arlington disagrees with you.

It depresses that in my own community I’m labeled a bigot for disagreeing with the APS transgender policy. I think it speaks volumes about how you/progressives approach issues. I would fully support remodeling all the schools to allow for single restrooms, like in many places where everyone could just use a bathroom without saying amy thing about one’s gender. But I am rational and know that we don’t have the money for this. I also know that this issue impacts only a very very small number of children in our jurisdiction, and I believe that a reasonable compromise is to offer those few children use of a private restroom. I dont think forcing all the girls to have trans kids in their restroom/locker room is a safe or healthy option. I don’t support Trump and I don’t believe this makes me a bigot. It does make voicing non progressive views in a public forum too uncomfortable for many of us. That’s a real shame.

the small number of kids bothered by this can use a private bathroom

This has been covered. Kids aren’t typically allowed to use private bathrooms without a “reason.” Most of us would be happy for our kids to do so.

And how do you know it’s a small number? You don’t think a lot of teen boys are uncomfortable using a urinal when a female may enter the bathroom?

Yes they are allowed to use the private restroom. Anyone can.

Which school does your child attend that has this policy? Those bathrooms are typically reserved for teachers/adults unless the student has a special reason.

How many trans kids in APS want to use the bathroom of the opposite sex? Like one? Even kids who view themselves as the opposite gender may not want to delve into a teenage locker room filled with boys/girls. For those tiny tiny number of children, wouldn’t it be reasonable to grant them access to a private bathroom rather than spend millions (?) on Wilkie to lose a court battle everyone knows they will lose.

It’s like religious holidays in APS, there is no correlation to the impact on actual students. It’s just: we are the most inclusive and progressive regardless of the cost for most children in our jurisdiction.

I would like to know these numbers as well… I don’t think it’s just one or 10 trans students by the way. I’m thinking at least around 100. The numbers have grown exponentially in just the last years. Likely APS knows the numbers, but wouldn’t share them. And yes, they will lose this battle and a lot of taxpayers money, but likely they also feared lawsuits had they not engaged.

The new post pandemic holiday days have also increased and we do not know how many students actually celebrate the different holidays. APS has just followed other jurisdictions on this. They may not know, because they are not tracking religious affiliations. However they are tracking ELL and they are aware of a very large increase in Arabic speakers. I’m surprised they haven’t added Lubar New Year. My only explanation for this is that APS as a secular school system interestingly is heavily invested in religious holidays vs. cultural holidays…

APS reports the demographics of students including gender. They’re online somewhere.

APS leadership is paying one of the most expensive law firms in the country a totally unknown amount of taxpayer dollars to protect either 1 or 100 children (or perhaps zero?) in our community who may or may not refuse to use a single stall bathroom.

FOIA the arrangement with the law firm. Search for the data online.

FOIA does not apply to state or county governments. It’s a federal law applicable to federal agencies.

There is nothing online. I have searched. Any mechanism you suggest I would certainly be willing to try.

How much do you even think they are spending? Most Wilkie litigation partners charge $2k+ for ONE HOUR of time. Do you know how many kids in APS could have breakfast?

You are an idiot. FOIA applies to public schools in Virginia. Not a surprise you also can’t find APS publicly posted demographic data.

If you figure out foia you can ask for both since the internet stumps you. But I’m not holding my breath.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is not a fringe issue. Ww know to keep our mouths shut in public. Arlington taxpayers are not all the same. Just because someone doesn’t speak up at a Board meeting doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

You seem to think that there is some sort of “silent majority” that opposes this, but lacks the courage to stand up for its convictions. Sometimes the loudest and most numerous voices do really reflect the majority opinion. I generally keep my mouth shut in public because I don’t want to deal with death threats from MAGA pedophiles in flyover country, but I support 100% what the school board is doing.

.

Curious how folks who disagree with APS trans policy might be concerned about labeling from dogmatic progressives. You can hear yourself right?

Sorry if it hurts your feelings, but these anti-trans activists are absolutely unhinged and they are firing off death threats. They like to “protect women and girls” by threatening the lives of women and girls. I can’t make it make sense.

Most dems aren’t anti-trans, they just want them in their own space just like boys and girls have their own space.

Not most Ds in Arlington.

At a minimum, most Ds in Arlington support the rule of law. Not everyone is comfortable ignoring binding precedent simply because we don’t like the outcome. It’s not like this Administration has shown an ounce of respect for the rule of law or the Constitution. It’s fair to look at this outrageous, politically motivated demand from Trump and friends and wonder what’s next.

Histrionics about Trump and the admin are not persuasive to me on this issue. I am an Arlingtonian. I typically vote Democratic. I don’t like much of what the Admin is doing, but I definitely don’t like that APS has decided to spend taxpayer dollars on a really expensive law firm on enforcing gender based sex rules. Which by the way, everyone thinks the Supreme Court will overturn. So, in my view, they are just flushing our money down the toilet which could be spent on, I don’t know, foreign languages before 7th grade, theater programs, preschool, and a million other things that could benefit way more students. I feel like it’s posturing for the benefit of board members and the superintendent to further their own political agenda/career at the expense of most of our students.

And then what will you be screaming when my view IS the rule of law.

Yes, we understand that bigots support Trump’s actions. You have already told us 1 billion times. Fortunately, most of Arlington disagrees with you.

It depresses that in my own community I’m labeled a bigot for disagreeing with the APS transgender policy. I think it speaks volumes about how you/progressives approach issues. I would fully support remodeling all the schools to allow for single restrooms, like in many places where everyone could just use a bathroom without saying amy thing about one’s gender. But I am rational and know that we don’t have the money for this. I also know that this issue impacts only a very very small number of children in our jurisdiction, and I believe that a reasonable compromise is to offer those few children use of a private restroom. I dont think forcing all the girls to have trans kids in their restroom/locker room is a safe or healthy option. I don’t support Trump and I don’t believe this makes me a bigot. It does make voicing non progressive views in a public forum too uncomfortable for many of us. That’s a real shame.

the small number of kids bothered by this can use a private bathroom

This has been covered. Kids aren’t typically allowed to use private bathrooms without a “reason.” Most of us would be happy for our kids to do so.

And how do you know it’s a small number? You don’t think a lot of teen boys are uncomfortable using a urinal when a female may enter the bathroom?

Yes they are allowed to use the private restroom. Anyone can.

Which school does your child attend that has this policy? Those bathrooms are typically reserved for teachers/adults unless the student has a special reason.

How many trans kids in APS want to use the bathroom of the opposite sex? Like one? Even kids who view themselves as the opposite gender may not want to delve into a teenage locker room filled with boys/girls. For those tiny tiny number of children, wouldn’t it be reasonable to grant them access to a private bathroom rather than spend millions (?) on Wilkie to lose a court battle everyone knows they will lose.

It’s like religious holidays in APS, there is no correlation to the impact on actual students. It’s just: we are the most inclusive and progressive regardless of the cost for most children in our jurisdiction.

I would like to know these numbers as well… I don’t think it’s just one or 10 trans students by the way. I’m thinking at least around 100. The numbers have grown exponentially in just the last years. Likely APS knows the numbers, but wouldn’t share them. And yes, they will lose this battle and a lot of taxpayers money, but likely they also feared lawsuits had they not engaged.

The new post pandemic holiday days have also increased and we do not know how many students actually celebrate the different holidays. APS has just followed other jurisdictions on this. They may not know, because they are not tracking religious affiliations. However they are tracking ELL and they are aware of a very large increase in Arabic speakers. I’m surprised they haven’t added Lubar New Year. My only explanation for this is that APS as a secular school system interestingly is heavily invested in religious holidays vs. cultural holidays…

APS reports the demographics of students including gender. They’re online somewhere.

APS leadership is paying one of the most expensive law firms in the country a totally unknown amount of taxpayer dollars to protect either 1 or 100 children (or perhaps zero?) in our community who may or may not refuse to use a single stall bathroom.

FOIA the arrangement with the law firm. Search for the data online.

FOIA does not apply to state or county governments. It’s a federal law applicable to federal agencies.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has a state FOIA law that absolutely does apply to the state, to counties, to towns, to cities, to public schools, and to other state institutions. I am acquainted with someone who successfully used it with FCPS (on an matter unrelated to this).

NP. Broadly they're "sunshine laws" or public disclosure laws. Virginia's is actually called "FOIA", not all states call it that. States and even other foreign countries have FOIA laws. It's not the 5 U.S.C. § 552 which applies to the federal government, it's a Virginia law applying to Virginia.