001Okay. Calling the board meeting of Riverside School District to order a regular meeting on September 24th. And we start with our pledge of allegiance. Matt, would you lead us? >> Absolutely [Music] of the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Matt. Okay, we'll start with remarks for the good of the school. [Music] Hey. Um, totally love you guys. So, I guess I want you to understand where this is coming from. I'm trying trying to get some place there were I I kind of walked away from that meeting that one of the things >> no no microphone but I'll do this Um, one of the things was that um, you kind of said that you weren't going to make a public decision until I kind
002of walked away with that and thought, okay, we're going to hear from you before anything. And then the other thing was is that I was kind of assured that the way it was written that there was kind of some wiggle room in this thing. so that um the way it was going to be enacted, the way that was going to be implemented that that there was some room to to move in. And so I have this concern and if I could I just like to read it out of our Ontario handbook this year. It goes something like this. Our school is gender in Washington. All students have the right to be treated consistent with the gender identity of school. Our school will there's no should or anything like that. Our school will and they will
003do the following. Our school will address students by their requested names and with or without legal. Our school will change students gender designation and have that gender accurately reflected in the school record. Our school will keep health and education information. I'm not sure. It also says our school will allow students. Our school will allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trip and overnight trip. They will be allowed. A male will be allowed access to a female room. And so that that that that concern I don't care what So here's some questions. Uh it would seem that the point uh that you guys have made a decision, you've already made a decision and you just let it be informed. This decision seems to me this seems to advocate It's almost like I guess
004what I would like to know. rules. It was interesting that the handbook has repercussions for violence. Right. But everything was listed out of not agree. Please let us know. And then finally, parents be informed. [Music] book is kind of like a lot of documents. I don't know how All right. For her protection and so those those are just some things that I sat there I I mean because I was I I was and I'm still hopeful, right? I love you guys and I think the guy parks in the right place. very hopeful. But man, I just I read that and I saw that you will and it was like not sure. So it it would be good to have maybe just comments on what's go I can't I won't adult I won't won't I don't
005I don't want to sound we just want to open it up and and just help me understand better. >> Yeah, Russell and I was Yeah. So I mean from my perspective it's definitely not the board making. What happened was we did a civil rights review with OSBI in the law model and language that has to be included. So we got a finding on our civil rights review because we didn't have the language in the handbook. Basically said if you have student handbook you have to include all of the non-discrimination language law including inclusive schools where we screwed up just to make sure you know that board is that we had a miscommunication on where we were on that civil rights review. So at the high school level there is no but at the middle school
006not included in the in the lang. So the short answer is um the board it is just like we told you just like we went to the last we need to continue the process get down figure out community values state law what are our options what are and so that was just that was a mixup uh it's going to be changed and and that's why it didn't happen at the high school board the board is that something because I know there's some current right because there are some sitting this is our policy >> and so once you once you put words to paper it's got teeth and and so I just I just don't know how we I think we've got to communicate out that we're in the process of looking at this holistically with
007the board that we're going to have to just communicate with and say, "Listen, here's here's where we're at. Don't us don't hammer us on our civil rights across the time we're studying." And so I get coming from. I apologize that happened from the last time you thought because I can see where you read that we are supposed to be doesn't all that supposed I still, you know, I still bring that model handbook language is a perfect example of that. tough spot kind of in the district, you know, because I think it would be good for at least members of this group even outside of the board meeting sit down and kind of look at all of the different angles that we're trying to manage, you know, because more, you know what I mean? It's beautiful
008because we do have some people here civiliz so and and just to kind of try to be transparent I'm can And obviously this is the board, but the that's kind of the real, you know, complexity of this situation. You can imagine you got federal, you got state and the positions on the issue. So there's court cases going on right now. Where is that going to land? I'm not sure yet. Then you've got u the you have a policy right now that there is a law in the state of Washington that you follow but now there's a lot more sanctions that come up with the state and so the state legislature has doubled down so to speak on some of those sanctions including like civil rights reviews. So it's a It's just kind of a difficult
009spot to be in, but we I would say it's going to take a little time to see how it's totally play out in the courts. Um, so just because you brought up the civil rights like and I don't expect you guys to wrestle with and I know that this might be a little overwhelming just my name is Kevin Kenny. I'm a Riverside School District resident. I'm a husband and a father of two little girls. I want to first thank the elected board members for their dedicated service to the school district and community. I'd like to say thank you again for your optimism and positive outlook for this district, your energy and joyful spirit of fellow community. I also want to declare my faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, my belief in him, sending his son
010to die for the sins of mankind. I stand on this truth revealed to us through the word found in the Bible. Biblical love consists of telling people when they are wrong independent of their responses. I want to be abundantly clear. I love this school enough. I love this community enough. I love the members of the board enough. I love the parents and guardians enough. Most importantly, I love these kids enough to tell them that the content gender policies being pushed are wrong. I'm here as a concerned parent. I'm here because when my daughters get older, I don't want to have to explain to them why I'm unwilling to financially support an institution that supports these progressive lives. I don't want to have to explain to my daughter that they cannot play female sports or attend
011the school district because policy puts their safety at risk and allows boys to compete against them, be in their bathrooms and locker rooms, and attend overnight sporting trips. >> I'm here because when my daughters asked me if I stood for and spoke out against these policies. I can confidently say that I did. I truly believe that deep down the majority of people believe that telling a boy with a brain that is not even fully developed can be a girl and vice versa contradicts the very nature of God's creation. It is the extreme minority of people that are pushing this agenda and I am here to speak for the majority of people and push back. I'm here because the majority is too afraid to offend the minority out of fear of being called hateful and unloving,
012not supporting or even celebrating this offender movement. As you know, we currently have a new school district setting an example and pushing back on state directive. We have current federal backing on this issue and district superintendent and board members should be encouraged to stand up to the state and stand for truth while acknowledging that this will not and Are we supposed to say yes to Washington state directive and no to federal government? This community needs leaders. What kind of condition would all of our children be in if we affirmed all feelings? On a very basic level, if a child says, "Mom, dad, I feel like doing drugs, you affirm." If they say, "I don't feel like doing homework." Do you affirm? I If they say, "I hate that person so much. I feel like I
013could kill them. You affirm. And if a confused little girl says, I feel like a boy, you affirm you speak truth into life. I want to leave you with this, and this needs to be said for the sake of our children. What event will it take for Riverside to have a background on this matter? Do we have to wait until one of our children gets sexually assaulted on public ground? Do we really want that on our conscience? And finally, a man named Charlie Kirk was just killed for speaking this truth. I believe this matter, we believe that this matter is bigger than fines and penalties. And we're here to encourage you and support you through this process for our people, children. [Applause] My name is Ashley Kenny. I'm Kevin's wife. I'm a Christian. I'm a
014woman. Say that boy. I'm a woman. >> Thank you for taking the time to be honest, guys. I just like [Applause] is you do not envy the position you all are in. So I want to encourage you this in your history where you were sending your kids to look back and said they decided to protect me and my parents Not the full I earlier. Sorry. My concern is for girls in a school who do not have to ask for a special bathroom to ensure their own. My concern is for the girls who might have to share private spaces with boys on an overnight or tournament weekend. Every person from little boys elderly on school vulnerable. Here are some examples of this kind of way I acknowledge. According to a loud county, Virginia sheriff's report in
0152021, a 15year-old girl was assaulted by a 14-year-old boy wearing a shirt in the handicap bathroom stall of her high school. He put her on the ground and subjected her to non-consensual sexual acts. This was the boy's first two reported assault. when the victim father expressed his concerns that school board was arrested and the perpetrator again in the community now victim $30 million. Please don't put ourselves in this position. Please don't put yourselves or our schools in this position. And we understand that the president work really hard to accommodate kids are smart and if they simply read the policy, there's nothing to stop a student without harming. In Wisconsin, four 14y old girls in the locker room showering off their 18-year-old man in front of them undressed naked and said, "I'm also a daughter, a
016granddaughter or a niece about 6 years old. I encourage you to bring her to lunch, a football game or child goes into the restaurant and there's someone in the stall next to her who identifies as a model. able to her or the mom was with her. This policy allows that person to access that restroom simply by making an unverifiable claim and that is the reality of this. I know some of your kids and you do an excellent job. You're raising them to know right and wrong. I know you're raising your boys who ask yourself the question. You guys are in a small and trying to get a grip on what So, we're here to give you a jump start. Title 9 overrides policies through1 sexual assault cases and laws all while making it clear to
017girls that their safety is not as important as a lie that girls can be girls in. You also federal support in violation of title. Or you can battle a state retain federal support and protect your students while standing up for boys or boys and girls. If you fight this, you have our vote in every fines receive fines or funding. I will be at the top of the people you can call. We love these kids who are amazing. We know you here and [Applause] you have a line of people. I know you guys have other business to attend to. I I do want to draw your attention to the number of people who are here. I don't know how many people usually attend the meeting. Really exciting. It's probably a line. Um but I want you
018to know that your community is concerned, but also that your community is behind you. We want you to do well. We want you to represent us. We want you to protect our kids. And as Ashley has already said and Kevin and Steve, we're for you. We're absolutely for you and we know you can make the right decision. I just have one issue I want to bring up and that is that I believe this policy may have been drawn up by people with twisted intentions, but it's passed through a lot of hands and came down to Riverside Middle School. He's gone through a lot. And one of the things that that we recognize there is just people doing their job. But there's a mentality there that we have been misled into believing in our culture and
019that is that people are inherently good. Now the Bible is very clear. People are not inherently good. The thoughts of the attitude man's heart is only evil. But if you doubt whether or not somebody is good, I ask you two questions. Did you lock your car? And did you lock your house? You probably did. And the reason is inside all of us, we inherently know and understand people are not inherent. They actually need restrained. They need kept out of places they shouldn't be. Now, that's just another example of reality proving what the scriptures been saying forever. But this policy, though, it's I I'll say it's intended to protect confused young boys and girls, is very easily. There's enough loopholes in this that wicked men wicked things. I would encourage you to not just investigate. I
020know that there are some other schools who have already said investigation is not enough. They've already put on suits against the state. For instance, they believe already started against them in regard for other school districts in Washington state on that. They've decided trying to find middle ground is not possible. they had to go directly against the state. And so I want to encourage you to go against the state. And you're not alone. There are very big school districts who have already started this. And I would encourage you to get a hold of their directors. Contact them. How are they going through this? What are they doing? And I again I want to reiterate, love you guys. Don't be the position that you're in, the board or superintendent. We appreciate your time and your investment and
021we will [Applause] just res and the only time I walk my doors around here about the I have different perspective than a lot of the other and I one of the things that really bothers me they have you know they picked all the genders that they don't girls they should have policy protecting girls, you know, they leave the girls out and uh as men and grown men and women, we want to protect no matter what the state, you know, you know, you have to go, you have to make the right decision because you're going to in your, you know, in in the future, your decision is going to be, you know, it's going to be really big. And I've heard so far I' heard good things I've heard about you guys. Uh so thank you
022for what you've done so far and I'm praying you make the right decision and also you know as far as there there I know in the school district there's a big to do about bullying bullying if you go by what you're supposed to do as far that protects everything doesn't matter which spectrum you're It protects everybody. So, and I I'll I'll be praying for you guys. Okay. Bless you guys. [Applause] Everybody else happy with people that take leadership during these. I would call it a desperate time and I believe you guys love children just like we do and my name is by the way I'm a great grandpa that's quite funny to I guess but I just like to read part of one verse here and the Bible is is God's opinion truth and this
023is kind of harsh but from love. 1 Corinthians 6:9 says, "Do not be neither fornicators nor idoltors or adulterers or feminine." means men trying to act like women. We're homosexual and then goes on the thing is it says that we will not enter the kingdom of God. You know, God is pretty pretty serious about these things. And you might look at some of these sins God say, "Well, I haven't been involved in any of those things. leadership on the school board and whatever. When you stand before a holy God, he's going to hold you partially accountable for the way you treated kids and people under your authority. And if you promote lifestyle, homosexuality and all the other things here, idolatry, adultery, You're part, like I said, you're partially accountable for a holy God when we
024don't know when that day is going to come. How many of lost friends already thought you're going to live a long time? I definitely have. You might come before God. I just pray and thank you that you would stand against us. Thank you. [Applause] >> I will try to keep this as short as I possibly can. What most of what I say has already been said. My name is Brad Hoffman. I am a Riverside graduate and I lived in the Riverside area now. So been around for quite a while. Um a pastor of El Community Church and we have a number of Riverside kids in our congreation a little bit closer to home have daughters and they've just gotten into sport the last couple years and um I it's kind of hits home a little
025bit more. think about the certain positions that they could be placed in because of these policies. And I could go through the list of things here that I think would be the safety and security of our girls. The nature of competitions um thinking about parental rights and how that seems to be undermined by these policies if they're want to just encourage you. You guys are here. You're not in an enviable position. Uh you're standing up against a state that power. I'm assuming in front of you saying that they're going to take that away policies. But I just want to encourage this is where you're at. This is where God is. And you've seen courage displayed by people wanting to speak up and take a stand and say we don't want this for our kids. We
026don't want to communities. We don't want schools. We don't want them to be put at risk because of all these things. And this is your opportunity. But that courage effect you guys to get involved and and get on board with some other and I I don't know the extent of the information that you can find on Department of Justice or Department of Education but apparently they've heard a lot of these complaints just in the last nine months and they have officially like launched a task force to actually investigate these things and figure out how they can deal with states that are violating federal federal rights. So if that's something that would be beneficial, I want to encourage you to get involved, find out more about what the federal system is doing about this. We're all
027for state states, right? But in this case, it seems like the feds would have our side policies are unbiblical. They're evil and a big deal. There's other school districts like me that have already mentioned that are at least appealing it. And it seems like there's a there's a situation where you can maybe buy some time. You can rewrite the policies. You can appeal whatever whatever instruction that they're that the state is is giving to you or passing on to you. You can it can buy you time. So you don't have to make a decision. So maybe the feds can actually agree with what how they define title N or civil rights or whatever it might be. Just want to encourage you to do that. Take those steps and thank you for serving our kids. [Applause]
028>> My name is Steven. a concerned parent in the federal school district in this community about 12 years. Um heard somebody earlier say gosh I said this meeting should tell you everything. What is your normal board meeting? I'll be honest, 5 to 7 very small. When I speak in front of our state legislator, whether it's our state house, our state senate, and those representatives see one person travel all the way to Olympia to get our three minutes to speak, they equate that to a thousand constituents within that state. You start counting over here, you start adding that thousand to that, you got a very concerned community. A lot of our decision usually the right decision You know it's right for myself. No one else can.