No Boys In New LTHS Self-Defense Course: Proposal

LA GRANGE, IL – Lyons Township High School plans to offer an advanced self-defense course next school year. But boys won't be allowed, an official said.

For the last few years, the school has offered a beginning self-defense course for girls. This year, the school made available such a class for boys.

Now, teachers and administrators are recommending the advanced class for next year.

At this week's school board meeting, member Elvia Nava asked why boys wouldn't be allowed.

At first, Scott Eggerding, director of curriculum and instruction, said he did not think boys would be turned away if they wanted to join the class.

But Nava said she didn't believe boys would be as encouraged if the course was designated for girls.

"It's kind of inherently leaving out a good amount of males out there," she said.

Eggerding said self-defense classes for boys tend to have lower enrollment.

After some discussion, Eggerding said he realized that having boys in the class violates its certification because of the nature of the conversations. And he said no advanced curriculum is available for boys.

The self-defense classes can count toward the state's requirement of four years of physical education.

Later this month, the school board is expected to vote on the new course as part of a package of curriculum changes.