Credits: Pat McBride, DCSB Members Becki Couch and Jason Fischer

The  Federal DOJ "Civil Rights of Transgender Students" Decree

And DCSB Superintendent Dr. Vitti's decision to follow the Decree

"Almost everyone has an opinion on this matter, so if you would like to voice yours and can do so in 4 minutes or less, I recommend going to this meeting.  I believe this issue will come up or even if it doesn't, you can certainly let them know where you stand.  So far, I have heard from Ms Couch and Jason (he had already indicated he was against it)". - P.McBride

The DCSB board will have a meeting on May 23 in room 613 and the public is welcome to attend. You can fill out a speakers card and speak for three minutes. Cards are accepted at the beginning of the meeting at 9:00 am.

1701 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32207

The following is a communication from Pat McBride

"As most of you may be aware, there is an issue which has surfaced dramatically locally and a lawsuit by a mother of 4 children in our school system.  I felt I should share the information with you.  I know we all have different opinions, so I will not voice mine but will say, everyone should have an opportunity to voice their opinion in relation to this issue and our schools.  I have written to Superintendent Vitti and all the school board members, and some of the information I am now privy to is quite interesting.  Apparently Mr. Vitti never discussed his decision to make a public comment on the issue of transgender use of lockers and bathrooms prior to making his statement about the issue in relation to Duval Public Schools. 

 At any rate, I am providing the complete address, contact information for all parties, and below that you will find the responses I received from 2 of our school board members as well (Becki Couch and Jason Fischer) and Supervisor Vitti.  I would let you know there are also opinions out there by other medical organizations on this issue if you want to look for further information." 

Letter from School Board member Becki Couch

"Dear Ms. McBride,

I am not in favor of having opposite sex students share restrooms and locker rooms in school. The Superintendent did not consult the board nor has he shared how he intends to address this issue. It was completely inappropriate for him to speak on this issue without asking his elected board how to proceed and I have made the board aware of my feelings. I have also made the request to the chair that we have an opportunity to discuss the guidelines sent from the President and our policies. I am waiting to hear back from her on this matter. We do not have a specific policy regarding use of restrooms and locker rooms. Instead the policy speaks to activities, courses, etc. I voted for the equity policies because I assumed we were passing policy that would ensure discrimination is avoided for all of our students. I did not assume common sense would be thrown out and we would have a superintendent who interprets such terms like "activity" to mean restrooms and locker rooms. If the board needs to be more explicit then I am fully prepared to do so to prevent students from being forced to share bathrooms and locker rooms. Please see the policy 1.22 that was passed in 2012 below:

1. Prohibit and correct intentional discrimination in any District program or activity on the basis of race, color, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, or any other distinguishing physical or personality characteristics;
2. Ensure that all Human Resource matters, including, but not limited to, hiring, promotion, retention, discipline and dismissals, are handled in an equitable and respectful manner;
3. Take steps, to the maximum extent possible, to create diversity in all schools and District departments, and to ensure that no group, as identified in paragraph “a.” above, is isolated;
4. Cultivate and promote student integration and diversity; and

 Ensure equitable, comprehensive educational opportunities and access for all students in our schools.

 Thank you for advocating on the behalf of children. I would encourage you to continue to voice your concerns to the board. Our board will have a meeting on May 23 in room 613 and the public is welcome to attend. You can fill out a speakers card and speak for three minutes. Cards are accepted at the beginning of the meeting at 9:00 am. "

 Sincerely,

Becki Couch

Response from School Board Member Jason Fischer

"Patty,"

 "I came out immediately on Friday in opposition to this. The board doesn't have a policy that addresses bathrooms. The board hasn't met on it yet. I'm optimistic things will change at our next meeting."

Sent from my iPhone

V/r,

Jason Fischer

904-610-3171

Response from Superintendent Vitti

"Ms. McBride,

Thank you for your email.  The Order released by the Federal Government regarding transgender access did not expand or otherwise modify the obligations of the district.   It has always been the practice of district and school staff to work closely with parents and individual students regarding reasonable student accommodations based on the board policy for Non-Discrimination and Equity. We will continue to problem solve with transgender students while balancing the rights of all students in each school.  This is not new to our district. We have been working through these issues for some time.

Transgender students or any students would not randomly walk into the anatomical opposite bathroom. We work with transgender students and their parents to either use a gender neutral bathroom, private bathroom, and if an anatomical opposite bathroom were to be used then stalls protecting students’ privacy are used and expected restroom decorum would be enforced. Students would be aware this is occurring.

We will continue our commitment to ensure equitable access and quality education to every Duval County Public School student.

I have confidence in district leadership, including principals and district support staff, to ensure the needs of all district students are met."

Sincerely,

Nikolai P. Vitti, Ed.D.

Superintendent 

Two additional documents as you seek clarification on this issue.

Following is the actual DOJ letter that was issued

 U.S. Departments of Justice and Education Release Joint Guidance to Help Schools Ensure the Civil Rights of Transgender Students

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-departments-justice-and-education..

Following is the intro to the current "DCPS Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policies"

DCPS Statement Regarding Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policies

Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) believes that education should be provided in an atmosphere where differences are understood and appreciated, and where all persons are treated fairly and with respect – free from discrimination, harassment and threats of violence or abuse. In addition, intimidation, threats, coercion or retaliation are strictly prohibited against anyone who asserts a right protected by civil rights laws (i.e., files a complaint). Anyone who believes s/he has been intimidated or retaliated against as a result of filing a complaint or being involved in any way with an investigation conducted by the District’s Office of Equity and Inclusion can file a complaint with that office.

DCPS has policies and procedures in place to protect its employees, students and anyone associated with the District from discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or retaliation. It prohibits discrimination based upon race, color, gender, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, and veteran status. The full civil rights School Board policies can be found in CHAPTER 10.0 – Anti-Discrimination and Harassment of the manual.

Full document can be found at:  http://duvalschools.org/Page/9380

Email contacts:  

Superintendent Vitti:  vittin@duvalschools.org

How to Contact the Board Office

E-Mail:

• District 1 - The Honorable Cheryl Grymes| grymesc@duvalschools.org
• District 2 - The Honorable Scott Shine  shinef@duvalschools.org
• District 3 - The Honorable Ashley Smith Juarez| juareza1@duvalschools.org
• District 4 - The Honorable Paula D. Wright| wrightp@duvalschools.org
• District 5 - The Honorable Connie Hall | hallc6@duvalschools.org
• District 6 - The Honorable Becki Couch | couchr@duvalschools.org
• District 7 - The Honorable Jason Fischer | fischerj@duvalschools.org

Phone:

• District 1 - The Honorable Cheryl Grymes | 390-2371
• District 2 - The Honorable Scott Shine | 401-4952
• District 3 - The Honorable Ashley Smith Juarez | 390-2239
• District 4 - The Honorable Paula D. Wright | 390-2374
• District 5 - The Honorable Connie Hall | 390-2375
• District 6 - The Honorable Becki Couch | 390-2373
• District 7 - The Honorable Jason Fischer | 390-2372

Current Chairman & Vice-Chairman - 2015-2016:

• Chairman - The Honorable Ashley Smith Juarez
• Vice-Chairman - The Honorable Paula D. Wright

Thank you for your interest and attention to this matter.

And, a "Hat Tip" to Pat. McBride for her efforts in creating this opportunity for the public to stand and have their voices hear.