(03/21/06) EAGLESWOOD TOWNSHIP ? Despite immense public pressure, the Eagleswood Township Board of Education isn?t backing away from its decision to hire a transgender teacher.

Many parents within the district have been vocal in their complaints about substitute teacher Lily McBeth, who used to be William. Those against McBeth?s hiring say children should not be exposed to a transgender individual. Petitions against the district?s move have popped up in various parts of the township, including on some store counters.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) says legally, the board can?t deny McBeth employment based on her transgender status. ACLU representatives claim that would be considered sexual discrimination. McBeth, a father of three, was married for 33 years before getting divorced.