Illinois Mother Files Civil Rights Complaint Over Transgender Student in Girls’ Locker Room

An Illinois mother has taken legal action, filing a civil rights complaint with the Justice Department, alleging that school administrators attempted to coerce her 13-year-old daughter into changing clothes in front of a transgender student in the girls’ locker room. The complaint stems from an incident that occurred last month at Deerfield Public Schools District 109, prompting the mother, Nicole Georgas, to voice her concerns during a recent Board of Education meeting.

Georgas claims that the incident unfolded after her daughter refused to change into her physical education uniform due to the presence of a biological male student who identifies as female. According to Georgas, her daughter’s refusal was met with resistance from school administrators, who allegedly pressured her and other female students to change in the locker room despite their discomfort.

During her impassioned speech at the board meeting, Georgas emphasized the importance of safeguarding the privacy and well-being of female students. "The girls want their locker rooms and bathrooms back," she stated. "They want their privacy back. This is why I’m here tonight. My 13-year-old daughter’s well-being, mental health, and privacy are at stake."

Georgas further elaborated on a separate incident that occurred on February 5, when her daughter encountered the transgender student in the girls’ bathroom. She stated that her daughter was "frightened" and "extremely upset" by the experience. She was allegedly told by the administration that the student could use both the bathroom and the female locker room because they now identify as female.

The mother raised the issue to the school administration, arguing that it constituted a direct violation of former President Donald Trump’s "Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports" executive order. However, she claims that the administration informed her that, based on legal counsel, the student was permitted to use both the girls’ bathroom and the girls’ locker room.

Following this interaction, Georgas filed a civil rights complaint with the Department of Justice on behalf of her daughter. The complaint has since been referred to the Department of Education.

The situation allegedly escalated when Georgas’s daughter and other classmates refused to change into their uniforms during physical education due to the presence of the transgender student. Georgas claims that school administrators subsequently pulled the girls aside and pressured them to change into their uniforms.

"That day, [Assistant Superintendent for Student Services] Joanna Ford, [Assistant Principal] Cathy Van Treese, and multiple teachers all came into the girls’ locker room, making them change into uniform," Georgas stated. She added that this occurred throughout the week, but her daughter continued to refuse to participate.

As part of her address to the board, Georgas demanded that the district designate separate facilities for biological males and biological females. She argued that allowing transgender students into female spaces could create a "dangerous precedent for girls everywhere" and potentially endanger their safety and privacy.

Georgas later appeared on "America Reports," where she expressed her concerns regarding the potential for adult biological males who have not transitioned to access women’s bathrooms and locker rooms, which she argued could put women’s safety and privacy at risk.

The debate surrounding transgender students’ access to school facilities has become increasingly contentious in recent years, with strong opinions on both sides. Supporters of transgender rights argue that denying transgender students access to facilities that align with their gender identity is discriminatory and harmful. They emphasize that transgender students are entitled to the same rights and protections as cisgender students.

Opponents, like Georgas, express concerns about privacy and safety, particularly in spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms. They argue that allowing biological males into female spaces could potentially endanger women and girls. Some propose alternative solutions, such as gender-neutral bathrooms or locker rooms, to accommodate the needs of all students.

This case in Deerfield Public Schools District 109 highlights the complex legal and ethical considerations involved in accommodating transgender students in schools. The outcome of the civil rights complaint filed by Georgas could have significant implications for school policies regarding transgender students’ access to facilities. It may also further fuel the ongoing debate about balancing the rights and needs of transgender students with the privacy and safety concerns of other students.

The Justice Department and the Education Department have been contacted for comment on the complaint. The school district has not yet issued a public statement. The case is ongoing, and further developments are expected as the investigation proceeds. The case will likely contribute to the broader conversation about transgender rights and inclusion in schools and other public spaces.