Anne Shannon, York County woman suing Dover Area School District, WGAL8, May 24, 2024

YORK COUNTY, Pa. —A York County woman is suing her child's school district.

She claims the Dover Area School District violated her rights.

Michelle Landerer says she's always tried to do what's best for her children.

But, she claims, the Dover Area School District interfered with that relationship.

"Being a parent is the most difficult job anyone could ever have, especially in today's society. Just because I chose to register my daughter into the public school system, does not mean that I gave up my parental rights," Landerer said.

Landerer is suing the district and the school board, saying teachers and administrators started using the name and gender-specific pronouns that her 12-year-old child requested during the 2021-2022 school year.

The district, she says, did not include Landerer in any discussions or decisions.

She says her concerns are not about stopping her child's gender exploration.

"I have no bias against the LGBTQ community, and this case is not about that at all," Landerer said.

Instead, she says this case is about parental rights.

"I hope policies do get changed and parents do get an opportunity to be informed and have the opportunity to be part of the decision making regarding their children," Landerer said.

News 8 reached out to the school district and received a statement:

"It is the practice and policy of the Dover Area School District to not comment on potential or current lawsuits."

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