As parents of children attending school in Houghton Lake, MI, we are shocked and angered by the recent changes to Title IX, 2264 which were voted in by the majority of our school board members. The new measures, supported solely by their vote, permit boys and girls to use each other's washrooms and locker rooms. My own daughters, along with countless other children, now face an environment that is less secure and private. This is a gross overstep, directly undermining parental rights and disregarding our core concern – the well-being of our children.

It is disheartening that our school board and superintendent, barring two conscientious members, have prioritized monetary gain over the safety and comfort of our children. We cannot allow such a detachment from community sentiment to go unchallenged. School board members are tasked with reflecting the voice of the people they represent, not to voice their personal opinions or fulfill their own agendas.

This lack of representation can have serious implications. The American Psychological Association states that the incorporation of mixed restrooms could potentially lead to increased anxiety and discomfort among students (APA, 2015). Similarly, other countries that have experimented with gender-neutral facilities in schools have reported heightened instances of bullying and harassment (The Guardian, 2017). It’s not a risk we are willing to put our children through.

To protect the well-being of our children and preserve the rights of parents, we demand the immediate resignation of the board members who supported this harmful alteration of Title IX, 2264. For our children, for their rights, for their future. Please sign this petition.