Illinois Lawmaker Accused of Dismissing Claims of Middle School Girls Regarding Transgender Student in Locker Room
An Illinois state representative is facing criticism after allegedly dismissing the concerns of middle school girls who claim they were forced to change in a locker room with a transgender student. The controversy stems from a situation in Deerfield, Illinois, where a parent, Nicole Georgas, alleges that school administrators pressured her daughter and other female students to change in front of a transgender student in the girls’ locker room.
During a recent Illinois General Assembly session, Democratic State Representative Bob Morgan, who represents Deerfield, addressed the allegations, reportedly labeling them a "lie." His comments came in response to Republican State Representative Adam Niemerg, who raised the issue after Georgas publicly shared her concerns and filed a federal civil rights complaint.
Georgas’ complaint, filed with the Justice Department, claims that school administrators violated her 13-year-old daughter’s rights by compelling her to change in the presence of a transgender student. She brought the issue to light during a Board of Education meeting for Deerfield Public School District 109, asserting that the incident occurred last month when her daughter refused to change into her physical education uniform due to the presence of a "biological male" student.
"The girls want their locker rooms and bathrooms back. They want their privacy back. This is why I’m here tonight. My thirteen-year-old daughter’s well-being, mental health and privacy are at stake," Georgas stated during the school board meeting.
Georgas further claimed that her daughter had previously encountered the transgender student in the girls’ bathroom and was informed by school administration that the student was permitted to use the facilities aligning with their gender identity. The situation allegedly escalated when her daughter and classmates refused to change in the locker room with the transgender student present.
According to Georgas, school administrators subsequently intervened, compelling the girls to change into their uniforms. She alleges that this occurred repeatedly throughout the week, despite her daughter’s continued refusal.
Representative Morgan’s response to these allegations has sparked significant backlash. He reportedly praised his community and schools for their handling of the situation, accusing Niemerg of inappropriately raising the issue. "I’m really proud of my community who stood up for those who need to be defended and protected, making sure we have great schools, which we do by the way, we have incredible, incredible schools, incredible families, an incredible community that has come together to deal with this situation. Because it’s a lie!" Morgan stated.
Georgas responded to Morgan’s comments on social media, expressing outrage and questioning his knowledge of the situation. "Really [Rep. Morgan?] Was your daughter in the locker room? Because mine was! How Dare you accuse them of lying. You are disgusting [and] despicable and I hope one day I get to play the audio for you!" she wrote.
The controversy highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender rights and school policies, particularly concerning access to bathrooms and locker rooms. Georgas argued that the school’s policy violated President Donald Trump’s "Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports" executive order.
Deerfield Public Schools District 109 issued a statement asserting its commitment to providing a respectful and supportive learning environment for all students and staff. The district maintained that its policies align with state laws, the Illinois School Code, and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) guidance. The statement also emphasized that no student is required to change in front of others and that middle school students have access to private changing options if desired.
The debate in Illinois echoes similar controversies across the nation, where school districts grapple with balancing the rights and needs of transgender students with the concerns of other students and parents. Legal challenges and public discourse surrounding these issues continue to shape the landscape of school policies and the experiences of transgender youth.
The outcome of Georgas’ civil rights complaint and the ongoing discussion within the Illinois General Assembly could have significant implications for school policies regarding transgender students and the broader debate on gender identity and privacy in schools. The allegations and counter-allegations underscore the complexity and sensitivity of these issues, requiring careful consideration of the rights and well-being of all students involved. The situation in Deerfield serves as a microcosm of the larger national conversation on transgender rights and the ongoing struggle to create inclusive and equitable environments for all students.
