Students Walk Out at Roseburg High Over Locker Room Access Debate
Students at Roseburg High walked out Wednesday during eighth period to protest transgender students using locker rooms matching their gender identity. Counter-protesters also attended, calling the demonstration transphobic. Oregon law allows students to use facilities by gender identity.
A student-led walkout at Roseburg High School on Wednesday afternoon brought hundreds of students, parents, and community members to the sidewalks outside the school, many carrying signs reflecting sharply divided views on transgender students’ access to restrooms and locker rooms.
Messages on signs ranged from “No boys in girls’ locker rooms” and “Girls deserve privacy too” to “Trans rights are women’s rights” and “Protect trans kids.”
The walkout, which took place during eighth period around 1 p.m., was organized in response to reports that a transgender student had been using the girls’ locker room. According to organizer and Roseburg High parent Shannon Miller, several students had expressed discomfort and fear of disciplinary action if they spoke out.
“Some of my daughter’s friends let me know about this going on,” Miller said. “As a mom, I don’t stand for boys in my daughter’s locker room. That’s a private area for her.”
Students and parents stood along West Harvard Avenue, waving signs and drawing supportive honks from passing drivers. Many of those participating said their primary concern was privacy in school locker rooms.
“I don’t have a problem with trans people until it makes me uncomfortable,” said sophomore Layla Seal. “It’s disrespectful to preach women’s rights and then ignore our privacy.”
Sophomore Trevor Ling added, “I don’t believe boys should be in girls’ locker rooms. I don’t think that’s appropriate.”
Under Oregon state law, students are allowed to use school facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms, consistent with their gender identity. That policy was reaffirmed earlier this year when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a Dallas High School policy allowing a transgender boy to use the boys’ restroom.
Not all students supported the walkout. Several counter-protesters also gathered, calling the demonstration harmful and exclusionary toward transgender classmates.
“The display of transphobia and bullying against children in our community is unacceptable,” said senior Donovan Loy-Steiner, who attended to support his transgender friends.
Senior Cyrus Stratton said they joined the counter-protest because they believed the event unfairly targeted one individual. “I couldn’t imagine being that one person, feeling terrified, with hundreds of people against me,” Stratton said.
The walkout ended without incident, but the issue continues to stir strong emotions among students, parents, and community members as schools navigate state law and student comfort.
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