A group of Esperanza High School students led a protest Wednesday against a state law allowing students to choose a bathroom based on what gender they identify with, stemming from one student at the school who they say was born male but identifies as female.
Esperanza junior Lesley Ledesma led the walkout after she encountered a classmate using the female restroom.
“When I asked, `why are you in this bathroom? I was told, `I am trans, I identify as a girl,”’ Ledesma said.
The student added, “I was immediately alarmed not because I wanted to disrespect anyone’s identity but because I was suddenly uncertain about my own privacy and safety in a space I had always trusted.”
The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District issued a statement saying the protest was “peaceful, and thanks to our law enforcement partners at the Anaheim Police Department, students remained safe, and morning drop-off went smoothly.”
District officials said they are “committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for every student. The district upholds mutual respect as a core value and affirms the principles of free speech and expression as rights extended to all students and members of the community.”
Sonja Shaw, a candidate for state superintendent, and Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Trustee Leandra Blades attended a news conference following Wednesday’s student protest.
“What this is about is the safety of our people,” Blades said. “Our females do not feel safe in the bathrooms. Our females do not feel safe on the athletic field. They don’t feel safe. And so what is the state of California doing? They’re violating Title IX.”
Ledesma said she did not wish to attack the transgender community.
“Let me be absolutely clear: I am not here to attack anyone,” the student said. “I do not wish harm on those who see things differently or anyone in the transgender community. I truly believe every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves love, dignity, and respect. But I also believe that females deserve to feel safe and comfortable in private spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms. Respect must go both ways.”
Well done to these brave students for standing for the right of girls to feel safe and comfortable in their own restrooms! When will the adults of California take action to change these misguided laws?