Putting Kids First: A Clear Statement on Where I Stand

A lot has been said today about where I stand on a sensitive issue, so I want to speak for myself and be clear.

I believe boys are boys, girls are girls, and students deserve appropriate privacy in school restrooms and changing facilities.

In May 2026, the South Carolina Student Physical Privacy Act became law. It establishes requirements for public schools regarding restrooms and changing facilities, including sex-designated multioccupancy facilities and single-user accommodations. I support following the law while treating every student with dignity and respect.

I also want to correct an inaccurate impression that has been circulating online.

Many people across our community have supported this campaign. They have put signs in their yards, carried signs around town, volunteered their time, shared posts and encouraged their friends to get involved. I am grateful for every person who believes enough in this campaign to participate.

But their personal views are their own.

A vehicle carrying one of my campaign signs has been discussed online because of a bumper sticker someone says was displayed on that vehicle. That vehicle was not mine, and the bumper sticker being attributed to my campaign does not represent my position.

This is exactly why I believe we should talk to one another instead of making assumptions about one another.

This is a nonpartisan School Board race. I have supporters with different backgrounds, different experiences and different perspectives. Supporting Tim Self for School Board does not require agreeing with Tim Self, or with every other supporter, on every issue.

What I do ask is that if you want to know what I believe, ask me.

Many people in this community know me personally. We worship together. Our children attend school together. We serve together through organizations like Rotary. We work together. We sit across tables from one another and have conversations, including difficult ones. Respectfully.

I've had conversations about this very issue over the past several weeks, and my position has been consistent.

I also believe something else very strongly: every child who walks through the doors of an Anderson District Five school deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Every one.

That's the responsibility that comes with serving children. Not just our own...everyone.

There will probably be more online chatter between now and Election Day. There will be disagreements. There will be attempts to assign labels and politics to people.

I'm not running to participate in that.

I'm running for the Anderson School District Five Board of Trustees because I believe our community can keep the focus where it belongs: on our students, our teachers, our families and the impact we will have on our future community.

If you have a question about where I stand, ask me. I welcome the conversation.

My focus hasn't changed.

Putting Kids First.