It took hours for concerned community members to step up to the podium tonight at the Lancaster School Board meeting, concerned over the proposed gender identity policy the school board wants to implement.
"The minority is being catered to over the rights and wises of the majority....just because of feelings...you know...it's frustrating," said one concerned taxpayer during public comment session.
The board ultimately voted to table the gender identity policy until another time. The policy would allow transgender and gender non-conforming students to use the restrooms and locker rooms that matches the gender they identify with.
"We're looking to write a policy based on equality for all students," said Patrick Uhteg, the board president in Lancaster. "The\language will be very specific but the implementation of that policy on a daily basis is going to be very individualized."
The decision didn't come without loads of controversy from the crowd.
State Assemblywoman Angela Wozniak, a Lancaster graduate was among those opposing the policy.
"We need to be making sure that we're protecting all students....not just a few," Wozniak said. "This is a very serious issue we're talking about the students safety....ability to maintain modesty."
"This is affecting the students and we should have a say in this," said one student. "I can see it now...this being passed and this being announced at a meeting the students have no say and no clue."
Under New York State's Dignity for all Students Act, schools must provide students with a safe and supportive environment, free from discrimination, bullying and intimidation.
Under Title IX Federal Law, discriminating on the basis sex is prohibited.
The vote was tabled for another time.
