NW Illinois News

State Senator Andrew Chesney and State Representative John Cabello are urging the Hononegah Community High School Board to reconsider a policy allowing a biological male to use the girls’ locker room. Chesney describes the situation as "insanity" and calls on the school board to reverse the decision, citing concerns about the comfort and safety of female students.

“This is insanity, and it has to stop,” said Sen. Chesney. He criticized Governor Pritzker's actions, saying that they have forced a "woke agenda" onto schools. Chesney added, “no young girl should have to change with a biological male. It’s traumatic. It’s abusive. It’s insane. And it’s a complete betrayal of our community’s values and parents’ trust.”

Rep. Cabello echoed these sentiments, stating, “Pushing woke nonsense at the expense of girls’ safety and privacy is unacceptable.” He stressed that their stance is against what he terms as "radical gender ideology."

The legislators referenced President Trump’s executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which mandates that access to locker rooms and sports teams in federal-funded schools be based on biological sex.

Sen. Chesney and Rep. Cabello are urging collaboration with the Hononegah School Board, parents, and the community to prioritize the well-being of local families. Cabello stated, “Hononegah has historically been a point of pride in this region. But on this issue, they’ve taken a serious and deeply disappointing step in the wrong direction. The board must act immediately to change course.”

The politicians are calling for the suspension of the current policy and the reinstatement of privacy protections for female students. Chesney reiterated, “Parents are rightfully outraged because this isn’t hard: Girls’ locker rooms are for girls.” He emphasized their commitment to opposing what he describes as an "unacceptable injustice."

Chesney and Cabello concluded, “We stand with the parents of Hononegah. The safety, privacy, and dignity of young women is non-negotiable. The school board must take decisive action, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure they do.”