COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Comstock Public Schools Board of Education voted to rescind a policy on transgender students in response to a recent federal executive order. The decision, made on March 10, came after a two-hour closed session during which the board reviewed communication from legal counsel. The vote to eliminate Policy 5106 was passed by a 5-2 margin, with members citing concerns over the evolving federal legal landscape that could increase the district’s vulnerability to legal challenges.
Policy 5106 had been a key part of the district’s framework for supporting transgender students, outlining guidelines on student privacy, restroom and locker room access, and staff training. It also included provisions on how to handle student records and notifications. While the policy is no longer in place, Superintendent Jeff Thoenes reassured the community that transgender students continue to receive protections under other district policies, including those against unlawful discrimination and harassment, as well as Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.
Thoenes explained that the district’s decision was influenced by the federal government’s increased scrutiny of policies that support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in schools. Recently, the U.S. Department of Education introduced an online tool for reporting concerns related to DEI practices, which could allow individuals from outside the district to challenge the policy. In light of this, the board felt it was necessary to rescind the policy to minimize potential legal risks.
“You could be a resident of another state, even, and comb through websites or issues and then file a complaint that you believe that the district isn’t adhering to the executive order,” Thoenes said. “Given that, the board decided to take the action it did, knowing that protections in Michigan were still valid and proper.”
While district leaders maintain that transgender students remain protected, the decision to remove the policy has sparked significant concern within the local community. Some parents and advocates worry that the move sends a harmful message to transgender youth, especially at a time when federal policies are shifting. One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed mixed feelings about the change, acknowledging that while protections are still in place under state law, the policy had offered additional reassurances.
“I think I can trust the staff to protect and respect my child, and that brings me comfort,” the parent said. “But the problem is that we need policy to protect these kids, not just safeguards that come after harm is done.”
Advocates for transgender rights have also criticized the board’s decision. Heather Standforth, communications and advocacy manager for OutFront Kalamazoo, called the move a “discouraging message” to transgender students and their families. She argued that rescinding the policy signals a lack of commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of trans youth.
“The school board is saying ‘we’re OK with that not being on written record,’ that ‘we are OK with not stating the intention of our entire school district to commit to protections for trans youth,’” Standforth said. “That is in itself a gesture that harms the trans community and the trans youth who are in these schools.”
During a school board meeting following the vote, several community members voiced their concerns, with many advocating for the reimplementation of the policy. Some shared personal stories of how the policy had positively impacted their families or the students they serve.
Board President Pamela Dickinson addressed these concerns, reaffirming that the district remains committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment for all students, regardless of gender identity. Dickinson emphasized that while policy landscapes may shift, the district’s core values of respect, safety, and support for students remain unchanged.
“While policy landscapes shift, our core values as a district do not,” Dickinson said. “Every student deserves a safe and affirming environment where they can learn without fear and with the full support of their school community.”
As of now, no other district policies are under review, and district leaders continue to emphasize that the protections for transgender students are still valid under state law. However, the removal of Policy 5106 has underscored the ongoing tension between local, state, and federal policies regarding LGBTQ+ rights in schools, leaving the community divided on the next steps.
