BREAKING NEWS SCHOOL REQUIRED TO OUT YOU FOR CHANGING GENDER IDENTITY
In a shocking turn of events, schools across the United States are now required to notify parents if their child decides to change their gender identity. That's right, folks, the days of keeping your gender transition a secret from your parents are over. It's time to come out of the closet and into the open arms of your loving family...or not.
The new policies, dubbed "parental notification" or "parental rights" laws, have sparked a heated debate among educators, parents, and students alike. Supporters argue that parents have the right to know about their child's medical care, including any decisions about gender identity. Opponents, on the other hand, claim that these laws violate the privacy rights of transgender youth and put them at risk of discrimination and violence.
So, what's a transgender student to do in this brave new world? Well, fear not my gender-bending friends, because I've got some tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky terrain with a smile on your face (and maybe a little sass in your step).
First and foremost, let's address the elephant in the room: coming out to your parents can be scary as hell. But don't worry, you're not alone. There are plenty of resources available to help you through this process, from support groups to online forums to trusted friends and family members. And remember, you don't have to do this alone. Seek out allies and advocates who can help you navigate this new terrain.
Now, let's talk about some of the practicalities of this new policy. If your school is now required to notify your parents of your gender transition, there are a few things you can do to make this process as smooth as possible. For starters, be prepared to have some tough conversations with your parents. They may not understand or accept your decision at first, but with time and patience, they may come around.
You can also work with your school to ensure that they are creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their gender identity. This means creating policies and procedures that protect transgender students from discrimination and harassment, providing training for staff on how to interact with transgender students in a respectful and affirming way, and allowing transgender students to use the restrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity.
And don't forget to have a little fun along the way. Embrace your new identity with pride and confidence. Experiment with different styles and looks that make you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. And remember, you are not defined by your gender identity. You are a unique and valuable individual who deserves love and respect, no matter what.
So, there you have it folks. The times they are a-changin', but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun along the way. Embrace your true self, stand tall and proud, and know that you are loved and supported by a community of fellow gender warriors who have your back.
Kern County education board meeting sparks intense debate over potential gender identification policy | KBAK https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/kern-county-education-board-meeting-sparks-intense-debate-over-potential-gender-identification-policy
California school board president attacks AG probe into parental rights policy on gender identity: 'Blackmail' | Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/media/california-school-board-president-attacks-ag-probe-parental-rights-policy-blackmail
Contentious Kern Superintendent of Schools meeting over gender identity policy https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/kern-county-board-of-education-to-discuss-notification-policy/
Big Education Ape: TRANS PEOPLE JUST WANT TO TO BE FREE TO BE ME AND PEE http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/trans-people-just-want-to-to-be-free-to.html
Big Education Ape: A GREAT DAY TO BE GAY IN CALIFORNIA OR NOT http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/a-great-day-to-be-gay-in-california-or.html
THE DEFT DIVE
FROM BARD AI
There are a number of states that have passed or are considering passing policies that require teachers and staff to tell parents if their child decides to change their gender identity from the one assigned to them at birth. These policies are often referred to as "parental notification" or "parental rights" laws.
The rationale for these laws is that parents have a right to know about their child's medical care, including any decisions about gender identity. Proponents of these laws argue that parents need to be involved in their child's gender transition process in order to provide support and guidance. They also argue that parents have a right to make decisions about their child's education, and that this includes decisions about what information their child is exposed to.
Opponents of these laws argue that they violate the privacy rights of transgender youth. They argue that transgender youth are already at risk of discrimination and violence, and that these laws will make them even more vulnerable. They also argue that these laws will discourage transgender youth from coming out to their parents, which can have serious negative consequences for their mental and emotional health.
The debate over parental notification laws is likely to continue for some time. There is no easy answer to the question of whether or not these laws are in the best interests of transgender youth. However, it is important to consider the potential harms of these laws before they are implemented.
Here are some of the arguments for and against parental notification laws:
- **Arguments for parental notification laws:**
- * Parents have a right to know about their child's medical care, including any decisions about gender identity.
- * Parents need to be involved in their child's gender transition process in order to provide support and guidance.
- * Parents have a right to make decisions about their child's education, and this includes decisions about what information their child is exposed to.
- **Arguments against parental notification laws:**
- * These laws violate the privacy rights of transgender youth.
- * Transgender youth are already at risk of discrimination and violence, and these laws will make them even more vulnerable.
- * These laws will discourage transgender youth from coming out to their parents, which can have serious negative consequences for their mental and emotional health.
It is important to note that there is no consensus on the effectiveness of parental notification laws. Some studies have found that these laws can lead to increased parental involvement in the gender transition process, while other studies have found that they can have the opposite effect. More research is needed to determine the true impact of these laws.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to support parental notification laws is a complex one. There are valid arguments on both sides of the issue. It is important to weigh the potential harms and benefits of these laws before making a decision.
Schools can support transgender students in a number of ways, including:
- * **Creating a safe and inclusive environment:** Schools should create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their gender identity. This means creating policies and procedures that protect transgender students from discrimination and harassment. It also means providing training for staff on how to interact with transgender students in a respectful and affirming way.
- * **Using the correct pronouns and names:** Schools should use the correct pronouns and names for transgender students. This may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in the lives of transgender students. It shows that the school respects and accepts them for who they are.
- * **Allowing transgender students to use the restrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity:** Schools should allow transgender students to use the restrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity. This is important for the safety and privacy of transgender students.
- * **Providing transgender students with access to gender-affirming care:** Schools should provide transgender students with access to gender-affirming care, such as hormone therapy and surgery. This care can help transgender students feel more comfortable in their own bodies and can improve their mental and emotional health.
- * **Creating a gender-neutral option for school records:** Schools should create a gender-neutral option for school records. This allows transgender students to have their records reflect their gender identity.
- * **Providing transgender students with support groups and resources:** Schools should provide transgender students with support groups and resources. This can help transgender students connect with other transgender people and learn about their rights.
By taking these steps, schools can create a safe and supportive environment for transgender students. This can help transgender students thrive in school and in life.
In addition to the above, here are some specific things that schools can do to support transgender students:
- * **Train staff on transgender issues:** Schools should provide training for staff on transgender issues. This training should cover topics such as the basics of transgender identity, the importance of using correct pronouns and names, and how to create a safe and inclusive environment for transgender students.
- * **Create a transgender student support plan:** Schools should create a transgender student support plan. This plan should outline the specific steps that the school will take to support transgender students. It should also include a list of resources that are available to transgender students.
- * **Reach out to transgender student organizations:** Schools should reach out to transgender student organizations. These organizations can provide valuable information and resources to the school. They can also help the school to connect with transgender students and to learn more about their needs.
- * **Be responsive to transgender students' concerns:** Schools should be responsive to transgender students' concerns. If a transgender student has a problem, the school should take it seriously and work to resolve it.
- * **Celebrate transgender identities:** Schools should celebrate transgender identities. This can be done by hosting events that highlight the contributions of transgender people, or by creating a space for transgender students to share their stories.
By taking these steps, schools can show transgender students that they are welcome and supported. This can make a real difference in the lives of transgender students.
FROM BING AI
Policies that require teachers and staff to tell parents if their child decides to change their gender identity from the one assigned to them at birth:
- - According to a guide for transgender and gender nonconforming students by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and GLSEN, public schools are legally required to protect all students from harassment and discrimination based on gender identity and expression¹. The guide also states that students have the right to be themselves in school, which includes their choice of name, pronouns, clothing, and prom date¹. However, the guide does not mention any specific policy regarding parental notification or consent for students who decide to change their gender identity.
- - Some schools in the United States, such as Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia and Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, have adopted policies that bar teachers from "outing" transgender students to parents without the students' permission². These policies are meant to guard students against parents who may not be supportive of their child's transition². However, some legal experts have argued that these policies violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, which gives parents the right to access their child's educational records². They also claim that these policies infringe on the parental authority protected by the 14th Amendment².
- - On the other hand, some states have proposed or enacted legislation that would require schools to inform parents if their child exhibits any signs of gender dysphoria or nonconformity. For example, a bill introduced in North Carolina in April 2021 would mandate school employees to report to parents in writing if their child is expressing a gender identity different from their biological sex³. Similarly, a policy in Washington state requires teachers to conceal students' gender transitions from parents unless the student gives the green light for their parents to know⁴.
As you can see, there is no uniform policy across the United States regarding parental involvement in students' gender identity decisions. The issue is complex and controversial, and different stakeholders may have different opinions and concerns.
Bing, 8/10/2023
(1) A Guide for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students. https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2020-06/Know%20Your%20Rights_0.pdf.
(2) Some Schools Won't Tell Parents When Their Kids Express Gender .... https://freebeacon.com/campus/some-schools-wont-tell-parents-when-their-kids-express-gender-confusion-experts-say-thats-illegal/.
(3) New NC bill would require schools to tell parents if a child ‘exhibits .... https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/equality/546995-new-nc-bill-would-require-schools-to-tell-parents-if-a/.
(4) Washington State Tells Teachers To Hide Student Gender Transitions From .... https://www.dailywire.com/news/washington-state-tells-teachers-to-hide-student-gender-transitions-from-parents.
Schools can support transgender students in various ways, such as:
- - Using welcoming and inclusive language in school, district, college, and university mission statements, such as a commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive campus that is free from discrimination and harassment for LGBTQ+ students¹.
- - Ensuring that school policies clearly affirm students’ right to be free from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in all aspects of school, including the nondiscriminatory use of discipline and equal access to school programs and activities¹.
- - Adopting policies that respect all students’ gender identities—such as the use the name a student goes by, which may be different from their legal name, and pronouns that reflect a student’s gender identity—and implementing policies to safeguard students’ privacy—such as maintaining the confidentiality of a student’s birth name or sex assigned at birth if the student wishes to keep this information private, unless the disclosure is legally required¹².
- - Adopting policies or model plans to guide school staff on how to support students and communicate with families, such as developmentally appropriate protocols to support students in any transition process, and a checklist of issues to discuss with the student or their family¹.
- - Allowing transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity³.
- - Addressing transgender students with their preferred name and using pronouns that correspond with their gender identity³.
- - Protecting transgender students from harassment and bullying, and providing them with counseling and support services if needed³.
- - Allowing transgender students to start a support club or join an existing one, such as a Gay-Straight Alliance or a Gender-Sexuality Alliance³.
- - Avoiding taking attendance aloud until you have given students a chance to contact you with their correct names in case different names appear on the roster⁵.
- - Providing professional development and training for teachers and staff on how to create an inclusive and respectful learning environment for transgender students²⁴.
Bing, 8/10/2023
(1) U.S Department of Education Supporting Transgender Youth in School (PDF). https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ed-factsheet-transgender-202106.pdf.
(2) Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse Students in Schools. https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/programs/safe-supportive/lgbt/school-administrators.pdf.
(3) Understanding Transgender Students - National School Boards Association. https://www.nsba.org/ASBJ/Past-Issues/June/Understanding-transgender-students.
(4) Supporting Transgender Students in the Classroom - Faculty Focus. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-classroom-management/supporting-transgender-students-classroom/.
(5) Taking Steps to Support Transgender Students and School Communities - NAIS. https://www.nais.org/learn/independent-ideas/november-2016/taking-steps-to-support-transgender-students-and-s/.
