'Bigoted' Comments at Lyons Township High Meeting

LA GRANGE, IL — Lyons Township High School on Friday denounced some public comments at its school board meeting earlier this week, saying they reflected bigotry.

In an emailed statement about the meeting, the school said the language and actions by "specific individuals" during public comments were perceived to be abusive and hurtful to the school community.

"We understand that comments made by a few individuals do not represent the feelings held by the majority of the LT community," the school said. "The comments made were yet another painful reminder of bigoted attitudes and beliefs, and demonstrate a lack of civility and compassion that still permeates the world we live in."

The school did not call out commenters by name. But William See was probably on its list.

See started his speech by criticizing the school's requirement that students and employees wear masks. He blamed Superintendent Brian Waterman, even though Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued the mandate.

See then turned away from the podium and faced the audience, saying he would talk to audience members because they cared about students, unlike school officials.

"They hate your kids," See said, referring to the officials. "They are worse. They are child abusers."

Some in the audience objected, but one of the school officials pleaded, "Just please do not engage."

See then turned his focus on the LGBT community by saying the school wants students to get involved in "transgenderism." He then criticized the school for holding a book discussion on "Queer, There and Everywhere" by Sarah Prager.

"This stuff is sick and sad. These people are the worst people in the world," See said, referring to the school board. "They are worse than pedophiles because they are screwing with your kids' brains."

Board President Kari Dillon thanked him for his time, which is her practice.

A few people applauded See. He continued to talk out loud, despite his time being up.

As he was preparing to exit the meeting room, Dillon said, "You can leave now."

In its statement, the school said it expected people to behave with respect and civility toward others. It said it could not allow "disparaging, ignorant, racist, homophobic or hateful comments."

Last year, Hinsdale High School District 86 was sued when it prevented speakers from talking about a school official's position on a controversial science curriculum issue.

As part of an out-of-court settlement, the district agreed to have a watchdog group speak about First Amendment issues to the school board. The group advised the board it could not restrict comments on the basis of the content of speech, even racist comments.