Public comment raises locker-room access concerns at Cox Mill High School

During the public-comment period at the board's Jan. 12 meeting, Deborah Allen urged Cabarrus County Schools to change how it handles locker-room access at Cox Mill High School, arguing the district should provide single-sex locker rooms for girls and not require them to accept alternative spaces when they feel violated.

"This young lady's request was simple, to defend the rights of the girls, not expect them to find an alternative place because they feel violated," Allen said. She also told the board she believes "Title IX and the 1975 regulations clearly authorize schools to provide facilities for males and females, not gender identity." Allen urged the board to "restore common sense back to Cox Mill High School and every school" and to prioritize "needs over wants."

Board members did not take immediate action in response to the comment; the chair thanked Allen and the meeting proceeded with the posted agenda. The transcript does not record any formal board response, policy change, or staff directive stemming from the comment. The board has items on its agenda related to policy review; Deborah Allen said she understood the board may be awaiting guidance from Raleigh but argued that waiting reflected a lack of conviction to act on what she called the girls' interests.

The substance of Allen's remarks was presented as public comment rather than a board motion. The transcript captures her claims and references to Title IX and 1975 regulations; the board did not record a response or a plan for follow-up in the public record during this meeting.