Ari Bowman is 12. He lives in the Wast Penn School District in Lehigh County, PA.

Ninth-grader Sigourney Coyle spoke to the School Board against allowing transgender students to use facilities matching their gender identity on August 24, declaring that her bodily privacy would be violeated is she were required to disrobe in the presence of transgender students.

During the East Penn School Board meeting, Coyle said she had been doing well in physical education in middle school last school year until she learned of the new federal directive. She subsequently refused to dress for gym in the girls locker room, and said Monday that she was given poor marks for failing to participate in the class.

I am a woman, and I identify as a woman, and you can't make me change in front of someone who I don't identify with — who is physically male.

--Coyle

Aryn Coyle, Sigourney's mother, said an assistant principal at Emmaus High has "graciously offered" to let Sigourney take gym in summer school, when she could change at home.

The Coyle's call this solution "a Band Aid."

On September 11, Ari Bowman had his turn to speak.

He was one of 17 people who encouraged the district to continue fostering an inclusive environment amid a contentious debate about transgender students' use of locker rooms and bathrooms.

More than anything else, Ari tried to explain what it meant to be a little different.

My life doesn't revolve around me being transgender. It revolves around my family, my friends … and all the conversations I have about Algebra 1," he said. "I hope you understand what being transgender means. It doesn't make me any less or any more. It makes me me. And no one can change that.

--Bowman

Each school's administration handles requests from transgender students and their parents individually and confidentially, offering accommodations in accordance with Title IX regulations.

--Schilder

Superintendent Michael Schilder reiterated Monday that the district feels it is in full compliance with Title IX regulations. He also pledged "to uphold the rights of transgender students and to support them in whatever way possible in their often difficult personal journey."

After the last meeting, I read comments that called kids like mine freaks, perverts and misfits. I knew my kid was not any of those things," she said. Transgender students want nothing more than all students want: an education, and the ability to go to the bathroom and change for gym class in peace. That's it.

--Alisa Bowman, Ari's mother

Ari was one of several people speaking in favor of accommodating transgender students:

Other favorable comments came from a doctor, a pastor, and a police officer.

After years of data collection, we knew that when we try to force them down a path that's not theirs, we do them harm. As a community member, I really welcome and celebrate the opportunity to have this conversation, because I really see this as a developmental stage.

--Kristin Breslin, family practice physician

Jesus, just as much as he talked about love, told us to not fear, because fear shuts down our ability to love. Fear causes prejudice, segregation, marginalization and violence. Any time we have done this, we've been on the wrong side of history.

--The Rev. Tim Dooner, Faith Presbyterian Church

Nationwide violence against transgender people has been rampant and very, very nasty. Crime statistics simply don't back up fears that transgender people are sexual predators.

You're the leader here in this community. You have the opportunity to make sure everyone is welcomed and protected.

--Maureen Rush, vice president of public safety and superintendent of police at the University of Pennsylvania