Parents Raise Concerns Over School Gender Ideology and Health Treatment Policies

The Fond du Lac School District Board meeting held on August 11, 2025, featured a significant public comment session where concerns regarding school policies on gender identity and mental health were raised.

During the meeting, a parent expressed strong opposition to the forms that allow schools to provide treatment to students without parental consent. The speaker urged other parents not to sign these forms, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the treatment their children receive at school. The parent claimed that schools may withhold information about therapists and the promotion of gender ideology, suggesting that this could lead to a lack of parental awareness about their children's experiences.

The discussion also touched on the influence of international education policies, which the speaker described as containing "transgender propaganda." The parent criticized school-based health centers, alleging that they often use misleading reasons for student visits, particularly in light of rising anxiety and depression among youth.

Additionally, the speaker highlighted a practice in the district where students are encouraged to declare their preferred pronouns on the first day of school. This was framed as an example of schools teaching "pseudoscience" rather than fostering critical thinking. The parent called for a reevaluation of these practices, warning that failure to do so could result in the loss of federal funding.

The comments concluded with a plea for the school leadership to consider the implications of promoting certain ideologies, suggesting that it contributes to a sense of pessimism among young people and a loss of faith in older generations.

The meeting underscored ongoing debates within the district regarding educational policies and their impact on student well-being and parental involvement. Further discussions and decisions on these topics are anticipated in future meetings.