School Committee Votes on Discrimination Resolution

At Monday night’s School Committee meeting, Chairman Valentino Capobianco, offered a resolution reaffirming the Prohibition of Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation on the Basis of Gender Identity and Gender Expression in Winthrop Public Schools.

Capobianco urged fellow committee members to adopt the resolution that would show their support for a ‘yes’ on state ballot Question 3, which maintains the current law that protects transgender people from discrimination.

“I think it’s important that we support the push to vote ‘yes’ on Question 3,” said Capobianco. “The law has been in place since 2016, and in this political climate it’s important to come together on an issue. An overwhelming group of law enforcement agencies and various Republicans and Democrats including Gov. Baker and Speaker DeLeo support this as well.”

A ‘no’ vote on Question 3 would repeal the state law that currently protects transgender people from discrimination in public places such as stores, restaurants and even doctors’ offices.

In a unanimous decision, the School Committee agreed to accept the motion.

Recently, other agencies and organizations including law enforcement, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, The Massachusetts Association of School Committees, the American Federation of Teacher, as well as colleges with diverse political backgrounds have banned together to show their support on a yes on Question 3.

“By adopting this resolution, it sends a message to our students that we accept them,” said School Committee member Jennifer Powell. “A number of students have had questions about themselves and it means a lot to them to have accepting adults in their lives.”

The resolution comes just days before Massachusetts voters will be the first in the nation to face a statewide popular vote on protections for transgender people from discrimination in public places.

“I know that pre-judgment keeps me from being all that I can be, so surely it will do the same to our students,” said School Committee member, Suzanne Swope. “And there is no proof of transgender bathrooms causing any violence, based on the research that I’ve done.”