Attention Orchard Park, NY community members, students, teachers, and parents:

By signing, you stand behind the board, its decision on this policy, and its policy making process.

Political extremists are attempting to urge the board to overturn and remove the new gender policy (#7552) brought into effect at the December Orchard Park Board of Education (BOE) meeting that ensures LGBTQ+ and Transgender students a safe learning environment at school.

This policy was proposed on October 11, 2022 at the BOE Policy Committee meeting. According the the BOE, “This new policy is in accordance with New York State law and New York State Department of Education regulations related to student gender identity. The policy details key terms and guidelines for personnel related to procedures such as the use of restrooms, locker rooms, the use of names and pronouns, physical education, and dress code and team uniforms. Having the procedures outlined in policy ensures transparency with parents and the community while providing a framework for our faculty, staff and administration so they can handle situations in accordance with law and regulation.“ A full revised policy can be found here.

Extremist groups will certainly be in attendance at Tuesday’s BOE meeting spreading their hateful rhetoric and attempting to have their political views acted upon by the board. We urge you to please sign this online petition, share it with other community members, and attend this board meeting (7 pm at Orchard Park Middle School) to show your support and help protect our school system.

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This petition is hosted by:

Students Protecting Education - a grassroots organization, established (in Orchard Park) and run by High School Students. SPE aims to promote a diverse, inclusive, and equitable education for every student in the United States. Learn more and become a member at Studentsproed.org.