Cy-Fair ISD’s board approved a controversial policy Monday, mandating that students use school restrooms and locker rooms corresponding with their biological sex. That decision has sparked mixed reactions across the community.
The policy mandates that school facilities “will maintain separate restrooms, locker rooms, and other similar facilities“ based on biological sex. Students who want other accommodations can ask and the district will work with ”limited accommodations."
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Proponents argue that the new guidelines clarify restroom expectations.
Trustee Julie Hinaman, a vocal opponent, said, “This new facilities policy creates the impression that the policy is needed to address an issue when the reality is there is not an issue... If we really care about the safety of our students, then these issues should be addressed first.”
Hinaman highlighted concerns about other student safety issues, including bullying and mental health, which she said were “real safety concerns” that should be prioritized.
During the public comment period, three community members spoke, each raising concerns.
Dr. Tara Cummings called the policy “stupid and harmful,” expressing frustration that the district would “waste time and resources on dumb, dangerous concepts” rather than address what she called “real problems.” She also stated, “This sends the false, damaging message that our trans students are somehow dangerous and don’t belong.”
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Jill Center questioned how the policy would be implemented, asking, “Would this be a staff responsibility? How would these individuals be expected to determine assigned sex at birth? Would there be training provided? ... This is just a collection of words that scream fear and prejudice.”
She also shared that her own children’s only issues in single-sex facilities “came from people of their same assigned sex” and not from gender-related concerns.
Kris Schweighardt, the third speaker, stood silently before delivering a brief statement. “Stop wasting taxpayers’ time and money. This is a sham,” she said, calling for a focus on “facts and safety, not culture wars.”
The district said that exceptions may be considered case-by-case, though details on enforcement and specific procedures were not fully clarified.