A couple of updates for you.
HB 1144 passed and was signed into law by the governor yesterday.
The language of the law changed as it went through both houses and committees. Go to the ndlegis.gov website to read the law and the protections provided by it. There may be varying interpretations to what has now become law! And, our school board members will be deciding soon how to interpret this regarding the bathrooms in our school district!
https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/documents/25-0440-07000.pdf
It is very important to take the time to read the law to have a full understanding.
An excerpt from HB1144:
"A restroom or shower room on school grounds, which is accessible by multiple individuals at one time, must be designated for use exclusively for males or exclusively for females and may be used only by members of the designated sex. Multi-stall gender neutral restrooms and shower rooms are prohibited. This subsection does not apply to a restroom in existence on July 1, 2025"
The law now has provisions to allow citizens to file a formal complaint with the state, if the schools do not comply. The school may be access a civil penalty/ fine of $2500 for EACH violation of the law. The entire process is outlined in the law.
The Devils Lake School Board was waiting for the law to go through the system to decide how to proceed with the bathrooms at Prairie View School. So, it's a good time to touch base with your school board members and/or Mr. Clooten to reiterate your personal perspective! YOUR ACTION MATTERS. The board will take into account the number of people both for and against the plans they are considering.
Of importance also, is the upcoming election of one of the seats on the school board. (see photo taken from Devils Lake Journal.). Andrew Sogge is running against the current board member Sheri Olson for that seat on the board.
Andrew Sogge has spoken openly at school board meetings against the board's bathroom plan at Prairie View, advocating for traditional male/female designated spaces.
Sheri Olson, on the other hand, wrote a public testimony to the legislature, as your current school board member, advocating for unisex bathrooms and transgender rights.
There are, of course, many other issues the school board members must contend with while in office. But, I wanted to bring awareness to the opportunity to elect to the board the candidate who supports what we hold to be important values for our community in the future.
Stay tuned for more important updates.
You can reach me here gracekurtz@gmail.com
--Grace