Black River Falls is a great community to grow up and live in, our School District has made many efforts to be inclusive of all students as evident in the April 2022 meeting. A proposed document was brought to the board meeting that is already currently used in some capacity with several students who attend BRFSD. This form is meant for students who do not identify with their assigned gender, administration and any faculty to make it easier for all to help with their identity as well as clear the way for any legalities ex: (changing their name in the system, yearbook, etc.).

There is no punishment attached to this form should another student or faculty use the students dead name ( the name they no longer identify with) unless it is in the form of harassment (bullying) which is already a policy within the School District as noted by Dr. Severson in the April 2022 meeting. This is not a formal policy, it is a stepping stone to be more inclusive in our district, something BRFSD and the School Board should be proud of. This is not an action plan to teach gender identity in the schools as is the concern with some citizens who were at the April 2022 meeting. 

The School Board seemed to be mostly in agreement along with one of the schools counselors that this is a good thing for students who require this as a part of their educational growth and to thrive in the School District. One school board member does not, that is Troy Webb. He questions the intended use of this form with rhetoric that is transphobic. His personal social media is littered with transphobic, homophobic language - this is not someone we need representing our community on the School Board, which should be advocating for all students regardless of their sexuality or identity. Preferred pronouns are just one aspect of this form that Mr. Webb has an issue with. He believes it is going to lead to further action should any legislation be passed which requires teachers and students to use a students preferred pronouns (none of which has been brought up in Wisconsin). As Dr. Severson mentioned there is currently no policy within the District - this is merely for the benefit of a few students. 

Lastly, Mr. Webb has used taxpayer dollars to fund his own political platform, he attended the WASB Convention in Milwaukee fully aware that attendees must mask up as well as either be vaccinated or tested (rapid testing was available on site). It was determined at the March 2022 board meeting that Mr. Webb pay back the $946.47 to the District, as it was unethical to go to Milwaukee and then protest the requirements. Mr. Webb did not offer to pay back the funds on his own, rather he requested the board vote on it. His social media also contains anti-vaxx and anti-mask rhetoric that does not belong in our School District - especially where taxpayer dollars are concerned. 

We are requesting not only that Mr. Webb fulfill the boards request to reimburse the School District, but also resign from his position. He is not fit to serve our community in many ways. Our School District is not his personal soapbox and our tax dollars are not his fund. Our School Board members should be advocating for all students whether they are LGBTQ+ or not, all students deserve a safe and accepting environment so that they can thrive and do their best. We should be attracting families to our community not pushing them away. 

Regards,

Black River Falls Concerned Citizens, Former Residents, LGBTQ+ Community & Allies