Once again, at the April 28 APS board meeting, the dysfunction of some APS school board members was on full agonizing display. Not for the first time, the issue was about “Bathroom Policy.” To recap: APS has a bathroom use policy that, according to students, teachers, and administrators, is working well with no reported difficulties. The policy has been evaluated (at no cost) by APS and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorneys who report the policy is in alignment with the Michigan Constitution and therefore does not pose a risk for litigation. In other words, there is a bathroom policy in place that is working without problems and is in alignment with state law. So it would seem time to stick a fork in this whole belabored and drawn-out discussion and say, “It’s done.”

But no! Board member Monica Dziesinski, in an endless search for a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist, has found a different “bathroom policy” she and some other board members would like to implement. The policy is so draconian, Superintendent Rabbideau says it’s unenforceable, and ACLU and APS attorneys say it would incite an indefensible lawsuit. After a declaration of “let’s spend the money,” Dziesinski made a motion for a third legal opinion on this new policy, which was seconded by A.J. MacAurther. When asked what cost would be associated with this third opinion, Dziesinski admitted she hadn’t inquired, but yet wanted to “spend the money.”

The draconian policy Dziesinski and MacArthur support would marginalize, stigmatize, and dehumanize a certain group of students and risk a lawsuit. It’s so clear their allegiance lies not in financial responsibility or to the students, but rather to their own damaging agenda, no matter the cost and no matter who they harm. There is a fitting word for this behavior…shameful.

DIANE O’CONNOR,

Alpena