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The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

An illustration of how the blocking of gender affirming care affects the mental health of transgender minors. Digital illustration by Elle Bisby.

NEWS: Gender-Affirming Care Blocked

Meredith Shryock, Assistant News Copy Editor March 24, 2025

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Kansas Senate enacted Senate Bill 63, overriding Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto 85-34. Also known as the Help Not Harm Act, SB 63 seeks to prohibit the use of state funds to promote...

Baby Steps

Brooke Burgess April 11, 2022

A day after their daughter’s birth, and in the midst of a postpartum medical crisis, CTE teacher Amanda Torbett and her partner Amanda Peterson began a battle against Lawrence Memorial Hospital, fighting...

Student activists take to social media

Student activists take to social media

Zanna Ingram, Online Copy Editor October 9, 2020

The gay and trans panic defense is used in courtrooms to defend those accused of violent crimes against members of the LGBTQ+ community. Junior Hays Hummel wants to put an end to that practice. Hummel...

Every year the school board sets goals for equity, excellence and engagement. This year these goals include a look at what the district can do to help LGBT+ students to feel comfortable in the school environment. For example, the option to use the bathroom for the gender a student identifies as.

USD 497 adds new equity goals

Madi Engnehl-Thomas, Reporter October 22, 2015

When New York Elementary School third grade teacher John Bode was in high school, coming out as gay or lesbian was unheard of. Many of his high school friends didn’t come out until after graduation,...

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