Illinois High School District 211 based in Palatine (which includes Conant High School, Fremd High School, Hoffman Estates High School, Palatine High School and Schaumburg High School) is considering a new policy that assures all students – including students who are transgender – full and equal access to locker rooms and restrooms that match their gender identity. The new policy aligns District 211 policy with Illinois law. The Illinois Human Rights Commission recently found that students who are transgender must be allowed access to these facilities under the state’s Human Rights Act.

We encourage the Board to adopt this new policy and bring District 211 into line with current state law. 

Over the past four years, District 211 has been embroiled in controversy around issues of fairness for transgender students. In 2015, the Board adopted a “compromise” policy that allowed a student who is transgender to access the locker room consistent with their gender identity, but only if the student promised to change behind a privacy curtain or stall.  Other students could choose to use the privacy curtains if they wanted, but only students who are transgender would be forced to use these private areas.

Now, the District 211 Board is moving forward to adopt an inclusive policy, one that welcomes every student to be recognized as their authentic selves.  An investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Education four years ago revealed that no one completely disrobes in the locker rooms. This finding is confirmed by students like myself, a senior girl at Palatine High School, I can attest to that in my four years I have never seen anyone completely undress in a school locker room, whether it is swimming unit, before or after school, or normal gym class. Most students do not object to transgender students being allowed to use the locker room. 

The policy under consideration will also bring District 211 into line with other school districts in the area. These school districts report no problems with including transgender students, and have implemented these policies without debate or complaint.  

The District 211 Board needs to hear from you, and D211 students need your help. Sign this petition and include your voice among those supporting inclusion and equality for all students.