PALATINE, Ill. —September 19, 2019— Tonight at their September board meeting, Township High School District 211 board of education will discuss ending their current policy requiring transgender students to use privacy stalls in locker rooms at the district’s five schools. Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison, who represents most of District 211 and is the first openly LBGTQ board member, urged board members in a letter to allow unrestricted bathroom and locker-room access for transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) students and released the following statement:
“Bathroom and locker-room policies that restrict students use of facilities that correspond with their gender identity are harmful and put transgender and gender nonconforming students (TGNC) at greater risk for bullying and harassment,” said Commissioner Kevin Morrison. “As a graduate of Conant High School, I am personally familiar with the incredible education and opportunities that District 211 provides students. However, I believe that we as a community set the tone and have shared responsibility to create a safe learning environment and protect all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. District 211 can and should do better for TGNC students, and I strongly urge the Board of Education to approve the policy change to allow unrestricted access.”
About Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison:
Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison represents the 15th District which includes the Townships of Barrington, Elk Grove, Hanover and Schaumburg, as well as parts of Palatine and Wheeling Townships. He is the youngest and first LGBTQ board member. A native of Elk Grove Village with a background in public service, Commissioner Morrison serves as Vice Chair of the Human Relations and Tax Delinquency committees and his core issues include improving access to mental health services and providing development opportunities and support for small businesses. For information, please contact the Commissioner’s office by calling (312) 603-6388 or visiting http://commissionerkevinbmorrison.org/.
—From a press release