A meeting of the Davis Joint Unified School Board in California took a dramatic turn when Beth Bourne, head of Moms for Liberty in Yolo County, staged a striking protest against policies that allow trans-identifying students to use girls’ locker rooms at junior high schools.
The 50-year-old activist said her demonstration was meant to show the potential vulnerability students may face under current rules.
During her allotted speaking time on Sept.18, Bourne removed her shirt, revealing a bikini top, to illustrate the experience of changing in a shared locker room.
She emphasized that the district’s guidelines allow students to choose locker rooms based on gender identity.
“I want to show what it feels like to undress under these circumstances,” Bourne explained.
The protest escalated when she attempted to remove her pants. A board trustee immediately intervened, telling her, “No, you cannot.”
Bourne replied that she was wearing a bathing suit underneath and argued that her actions were protected under the First Amendment.
Hiram Jackson, serving as board vice president in place of Joe DiNunzio, temporarily paused the meeting to regain control.
After being allowed to continue her comments fully clothed, Bourne removed her top a second time, prompting a further 30-minute recess.
Police were eventually called, and Bourne was escorted from the premises.
A formal report was filed against Bourne, citing her for “disturbing the peace,” a potential misdemeanor under California Penal Code 403, which applies to individuals who willfully disrupt or interfere with a lawful public assembly or meeting, according to the Daily Mail.
DiNunzio later reminded the public that presentations must comply with established procedures, giving the chair authority to halt or adjourn the meeting if disruptions occur.
Trustee Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald said the board is consulting legal counsel to determine what steps to take next.
“It’s inappropriate for anyone to conduct themselves in this manner during a public meeting,” she said.
Bourne told CBS News that the protest was the result of frustration after three years of monthly board meetings without meaningful change.
She explained her intention was to convey how uncomfortable students might feel when sharing locker rooms with peers of a different gender.
“If adults feel uneasy observing this — and I am a 50-year-old woman — imagine how the girls feel,” she said.
Moms for Liberty, founded in 2021, is a national organization advocating for parental involvement in schools, focusing on curriculum transparency, student safety and oversight of educational programs.
While the group emphasizes protecting parental rights, it has faced criticism from liberal organizations for opposing LGBT-inclusive policies, with some labeling it a “hate group.”
Bourne’s actions align with the organization’s mission of influencing local education policy and safeguarding student privacy.
Bourne added that her demonstration aimed to foster public discussion around controversial topics.
She stressed the value of open debate, saying, “When we can have honest conversations about difficult issues, we create a safer environment for everyone.”
Her stunt underscores the ongoing tensions in school policy debates surrounding gender, privacy and student rights.
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