ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A large crowd of students and parents turned out for the Francis Howell School Board meeting Thursday night to oppose a potential transgender bathroom policy for the school district.
While there was no vote from the Francis Howell School Board on the bathroom policy, which would prohibit transgender students from using restrooms that match their gender identity, that didn't stop parents and students from speaking out in opposition to the policy Thursday night.
One student during the meeting alleged she was being investigated after sending emails to board members in regards to her opposition against the policy.
"The head of the board Adam Bertrand confirmed that I was being investigated but did not clarify the cause or extent of the investigation," said one student. "He refused to take responsibility for the board's lack of professionalism and denied I was being silenced. Director Bertrand, asking those who do not agree with you to stop reaching out is silencing."
Another student, who identified as queer, says they were bullied about their gender and sexuality at Francis Howell High.
"There are students that bark at us like animals in the hall," said the student. "On behalf of myself and my peers, this is absolutely gross and unacceptable. Behavior like this makes me feel unsafe and unwelcome to learn."
The student says despite fellow students making reports about the behavior, only just to be told it was not worth reporting.
A parent during the board meeting said that legal action on the transgender policy was certain if it were to pass.
"Legal action isn't a threat, it is a promise," said one parent who was applauded after her speech to the board.
There were a handful of parents in support of the new bathroom policy at the meeting.
It is still not clear when the policy will come up for a vote upon the board.