Protest staged over transgender student’s right to use girl’s locker room

Posted: Aug 31, 2015 / 02:03 PM CDT

Updated: Aug 31, 2015 / 04:45 PM CDT

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HILLSBORO, MO (KTVI) – Students walked out of class on Monday morning over a transgender pupil’s right to use the women’s locker room. About 200 Hillsboro High School students held their demonstration after 3rd period for about two hours.

There were two groups of demonstrators. One on the side of transgender student, Lila Perry, using the female facilities. The other group wants her to use the faculty’s gender neutral restroom.

Students protesting longer than two hours could face an in school suspension. Superintendent Aaron Cornman to issued a statement that says in part:

“There does come a point when the school day must continue and we cannot condone behaviors that detract from the overall mission of the district.”

Transgender student, Lila Perry, identifies as female. She started using the female facilities at Hillsboro High School starting this school year. Perry has now dropped gym class this semester. She will no longer be using the women’s locker room but she still uses the women’s restroom.

She came out last February and used the gender-neutral faculty restroom for gym class last semester.

Parents are saying that their daughters are uncomfortable with the situation. Even though Perry wears dresses and a wig, she is still physically a male.

Last Thursday’s school board meeting had to be moved into the gym after many parents showed up. The topic wasn’t on the agenda but it was clear why they were at the meeting after thunderous applause broke out after one parent spoke.

Derrick Good, a parent of two girls at Hillsboro and an attorney told FOX 2, “They should have the ability to do whatever they need to do in the privacy of the bathroom without having a male in there.”

Perry said she’s been attacked on social media and fears bullying and violence if she were to start using the boys’ restroom now.

It’s unclear when and if the school board will make a decision on this. Members of the school board said they cannot comment on the matter.

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