TRANS PEOPLE JUST WANT TO BE FREE TO BE ME AND PEE
Ah, the joys of student pronouns and restroom rules. Who knew that such small things could cause such a big uproar? It's almost as if some people have nothing better to do than worry about what other people are doing in the bathroom.
But let's not get too serious here. After all, we're talking about pronouns and restrooms, not world peace or climate change. So let's take a lighthearted approach to this topic and see if we can't inject some humor into the debate.
First of all, let's talk about student pronouns. Now, I don't know about you, but I have a hard enough time remembering people's names, let alone their preferred pronouns. It's like trying to keep track of all the different types of milk at Starbucks. Soy, almond, oat, coconut...I mean, come on! Can't we just stick to good old-fashioned cow's milk?
But I digress. The point is, remembering someone's preferred pronouns can be a challenge, especially if they're using something other than he or she. I mean, have you ever tried using the pronoun "ze"? It's like trying to speak a foreign language without any training.
But hey, if that's what makes someone happy, who am I to judge? As long as they're not asking me to use some made-up pronoun like "flibbertigibbet", I'm happy to oblige.
Now let's move on to restroom rules. This is where things really get interesting. I mean, who knew that using the bathroom could be so complicated? It's like trying to navigate a minefield without a map.
But seriously, why do some people get so worked up about who's using which bathroom? It's not like we're all in there having a party or something. We're just trying to do our business and get out as quickly as possible.
And yet, some people seem to think that allowing transgender people to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity is some sort of threat to society. As if allowing someone to pee in peace is going to bring about the downfall of civilization.
But you know what? Change is hard. It's scary to think that things might be different from the way they've always been. But sometimes change is necessary, especially when it comes to respecting other people's identities and rights.
At the end of the day, transgender people just want to be who they are, not what you think they ought to be. They're not asking for special treatment or privileges, just the same basic rights and respect that everyone else deserves.
So let's all take a deep breath and remember that we're all just human beings trying to navigate this crazy world together. And if that means using a different pronoun or bathroom than we're used to, well, so be it. It's a small price to pay for a more inclusive and accepting society.
In conclusion, let's all try to lighten up a bit when it comes to student pronouns and restroom rules. After all, life is too short to get bogged down in the details. Let's focus on the bigger picture and remember that we're all in this together. And if all else fails, just stick to good old-fashioned cow's milk. It never goes out of style.
Orange County Public Schools releases guidance on student pronouns, restroom rules – WFTV https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county-public-schools-releases-guidance-student-pronouns-bathroom-rules/VY6EJVK3GRBV5OEATNOZZNGODA/
Students banned from nicknames under Orange County trans rules https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/08/08/orange-county-florida-trans-schools/
Florida district bars trans teachers from using preferred pronouns and bathrooms to comply with state law https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/florida-district-bars-trans-teachers-using-preferred-pronouns-bathroom-rcna98734
Florida Students Need Parents' Permission to Change Name in Trans Crackdown https://www.newsweek.com/florida-students-need-parent-permission-change-name-1818194
California investigates district's parental notification policy on students' gender identity https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/california-investigates-districts-parental-notification-policy-student-rcna98519
THE DEFT DIVE
FROM BARD AI
The use of student pronouns and restroom rules are two hotly debated topics in education today. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions, as the best approach will vary depending on the specific circumstances of each school district.
**Student pronouns**
- The use of student pronouns is a matter of respecting the gender identity of transgender and gender-nonconforming students. These students may not identify with the pronouns that are typically associated with their sex assigned at birth. For example, a transgender student who was assigned female at birth may use he/him pronouns.
- The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidance on the use of student pronouns, stating that schools must treat transgender students according to their gender identity. This includes using the pronouns that the student prefers and allowing the student to use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity.
- However, there is some debate about how to implement these guidelines. Some schools have adopted policies that require all students to use the pronouns that are listed on their birth certificates. These policies have been challenged in court, and some courts have ruled that they are discriminatory.
- The best approach to the use of student pronouns is to have a policy that is inclusive and respectful of all students. This policy should allow students to choose their own pronouns and use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity. The policy should also be clear and easy to understand for all students, staff, and parents.
**Restroom rules**
- The use of restroom facilities is another issue that is often debated in education. Some schools have policies that require students to use the restroom that corresponds to their sex assigned at birth. These policies have been challenged in court, and some courts have ruled that they are discriminatory.
- The best approach to restroom rules is to have a policy that is inclusive and respectful of all students. This policy should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity. The policy should also be clear and easy to understand for all students, staff, and parents.
- In addition to the federal guidance, there are also a number of state and local laws that address the use of student pronouns and restroom rules. It is important to be aware of these laws when developing policies for your school district.
- Ultimately, the best way to address these issues is to have a conversation with your community. Talk to students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders about their thoughts and concerns. This will help you to develop a policy that is supported by the majority of people.
FROM BING AI
The topic of student pronouns and restroom rules. This is a complex and sensitive issue that affects many transgender and gender nonconforming students in schools across the country. I will try to provide you with some information and resources that can help you understand the different perspectives and challenges involved.
First, let me explain what transgender and gender nonconforming mean. Transgender is a term that describes people whose gender identity (their internal sense of being male, female, or neither) does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender nonconforming is a term that describes people who do not conform to the social expectations or stereotypes of their assigned sex, such as their appearance, behavior, or interests. Some transgender and gender nonconforming people may use different names and pronouns (such as he, she, they, or ze) that reflect their gender identity, and some may also seek medical or social transition to align their body and expression with their identity.
One of the challenges that transgender and gender nonconforming students face in school is accessing facilities and programs that are consistent with their gender identity. For example, some students may want to use the restroom or locker room that matches their gender identity, or participate in sports teams or activities that are segregated by sex. However, some schools may not allow them to do so, or may require them to provide proof of their identity, such as a medical diagnosis, a legal name change, or parental consent. This can create barriers and difficulties for these students, who may feel excluded, uncomfortable, or unsafe in school.
Another challenge is dealing with discrimination and harassment from other students, staff, or parents who may not respect or accept their gender identity or expression. Some transgender and gender nonconforming students may face bullying, teasing, name-calling, physical violence, or other forms of abuse because of who they are. This can have negative effects on their mental health, academic performance, and social well-being.
To address these challenges, some states and districts have adopted laws and policies that protect the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming students in school. For example, California passed a law in 2013 that allows students to participate in sex-segregated programs and activities and use facilities consistent with their gender identity, regardless of the gender listed on their records¹. The law also prohibits discrimination and harassment based on gender identity and expression². The California Department of Education has issued guidance on how to implement this law in schools³.
However, not all states and districts have such laws and policies, and some have even passed laws that restrict the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming students. For example, Florida passed two laws in 2021 that ban transgender girls from playing on girls' sports teams⁴ and require schools to notify parents if their child requests to use a different name or pronoun⁵. The Orange County Public Schools district in Florida issued guidance on how to comply with these laws, which has been criticized by some advocates as discriminatory⁶.
The federal government has also taken a stance on this issue. In 2021, President Biden issued an executive order that clarifies that Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education, also covers discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation⁷. This means that schools that receive federal funding have to respect the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming students or risk losing their funding. The U.S. Department of Education has also announced that it will investigate complaints of discrimination against these students⁸.
As you can see, this is a controversial and evolving topic that has different legal and social implications in different states and districts. I hope this information has given you some insight into the challenges and opportunities that transgender and gender nonconforming students face in school. If you want to learn more about this topic, you can visit the websites of organizations such as GLSEN⁹, ACLU[^10^], or Trans Student Educational Resources¹¹, which provide resources and support for these students and their allies.
Bing, 8/8/2023
(1) Orange County Public Schools releases guidance on student pronouns, restroom rules. https://news.yahoo.com/orange-county-public-schools-releases-095324844.html.
(2) Florida district bars trans teachers from using preferred pronouns and bathrooms to comply with state law. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/florida-district-bars-trans-teachers-from-using-preferred-pronouns-and-bathrooms-to-comply-with-state-law/ar-AA1eXwHY.
(3) LGBTQ-Specific Protections Removed From Carroll ISD Rules. https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/lgbtq-specific-protections-removed-from-carroll-isd-rules-17112679.
(4) Orange County Public Schools releases guidance on student pronouns .... https://www.wdbo.com/news/local/orange-county-public-schools-releases-guidance-student-pronouns-restroom-rules/VY6EJVK3GRBV5OEATNOZZNGODA/.
(5) A Guide for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students. https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2020-06/Know%20Your%20Rights_0.pdf.
(6) New York State Schools Update Bathroom Gender Rules, Pronouns. https://hudsonvalleypost.com/new-york-state-schools-update-bathroom-gender-rules-pronouns/.
(7) undefined. https://bing.com/search?q=.
(8) Transgender Student Rights at School - ACLU of Southern California. https://www.aclusocal.org/en/know-your-rights/transgender-student-rights-school.
(9) Legal Update Memo No. 13-2022 - School & College Legal Services of .... https://sclscal.org/legal-update-memo-no-13-2022-addressing-the-needs-of-transgender-youth-k-12/.
(10) LGBTQ Students — Know Your Rights - ACLU of Southern California. https://www.aclusocal.org/en/lgbtq-know-your-rights.
(11) California law allows transgender students to pick bathrooms, sports .... https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-law-allows-transgender-students-to-pick-bathrooms-sports-teams-they-identify-with/.
(12) CA will investigate Chino schools over transgender policy | The .... https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article277978328.html.
