Columbia School District adopts gender-identity protections

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- During its first meeting of the new academic year, the Columbia School Board unanimously approved the addition of gender identity and gender expression to the district's anti-discrimination policy.

The issue was first brought to the board's attention in May, and it took a final vote Monday night, following a unanimous vote in June on the proposal.

Eight students who identify as transgender are attending the Columbia School District this year, according to superintendent Peter Stiepleman, who supported the proposal. He sought the policy change to ensure the district makes transgender students feel safe and comfortable at school, the Columbia Missourian reported.

When the board opened up the meeting to public comment, seven people spoke out in support of the change, while four people opposed it.

Liam Theberge, 17, took the floor and introduced himself as a transgender student at Hickman High School who also serves as president of the school's Gay-Straight Alliance club. He told the school board about his experiences and said he uses a gender-neutral bathroom or doesn't use a bathroom at all, adding it has caused health issues.

"I am very proud to be part of Columbia public schools," Theberge said. "The fact that you are trying to put these policies in means you care."

Columbia resident Dale Palmer spoke against the change, saying no group of people should be placed above others, and efforts to "legislate morality" or "legislate being nice to each other" were "pathetic."

The district's anti-discrimination policy is in place to protect both students and faculty.

Information from: Columbia Missourian, http://www.columbiamissourian.com