I just learned that the Superintendent of Glendale Unified School District suddenly announced her retirement 45 days before the start of the new school year. Dr. Vivian Ekchian, has announced her retirement after 38 years in public education, effective June 30, 2023. The retirement announcement came after protests turned violent for the second school board meeting in a row over the district's LGBTQ curriculum.
While administrators discussed the differences in opinion over the district’s LGBTQ+ policies inside the California school board meeting, a brawl broke out outside, and at least three people were arrested, police said. A small group among the several hundred protesters outside the Glendale Unified School Board meeting engaged in what police called “unsafe behavior” and posed “a risk to public safety.”
Dozens of parents, students, and other members of the public weighed in during the public comment session, some pushing for inclusion and respect and others expressing concern over indoctrination and grooming. Several punches were thrown outside within the group of protesters before police could separate the crowd.
I’m concerned because I start serving as a school administrator in the district on the Monday following her last day.
Supporters of LGBTQ+ rights and the recognition of Pride Month have emphasized the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. They argue that celebrating the LGBTQ+ community is a way to promote diversity, ensure the safety of LGBTQ+ students, parents, and teachers, and foster an environment where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel respected and valued. These supporters have called for the implementation of comprehensive LGBTQ+ education that addresses the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.
On the other hand, opponents of LGBTQ+ rights and the recognition of Pride Month have expressed concerns over teaching gender and sexuality in schools. Some argue that such education goes against their beliefs and values, and they perceive it as an infringement on their religious or moral principles. They contend that discussions about LGBTQ+ identities should be left to families and religious institutions rather than integrated into school curricula. These opponents often voice concerns about what they perceive as the "indoctrination" or "sexualization" of children.
In recent years, society has witnessed a remarkable shift in attitudes towards LGBTQ+ communities. Every day, more and more individuals and communities recognize the importance of embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and supporting transgender children. This paradigm shift is crucial for ensuring the well-being and happiness of individuals within these communities. Still, it also reflects a society that values equality and celebrates the beautiful spectrum of human identities.
In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ communities and championing the rights of transgender children. But first, let’s look at the law…
California and Federal Education Law
First, and with respect, parents and Californians generally don’t know the law regarding some of the major issues raised by parents’ rights groups. So here’s a breakdown:
Under the Education Code Section 49060, school districts must keep student records private, encompassing sensitive information such as gender identity. This provision ensures that school districts cannot release or disclose a child's gender identity to anyone, including their parents, without the child's explicit authorization.
Protecting a child's privacy and confidentiality regarding their gender identity is of utmost importance, even within the context of parental involvement. School districts are strictly prohibited from disclosing a child's gender identity to their parents without the explicit consent of the child. In compliance with California's antidiscrimination laws, federal regulations, and state laws, school districts must maintain the privacy and confidentiality of student records, including information related to gender identity. This obligation extends to withholding the disclosure of a child's gender identity from their parents unless the child has provided clear and voluntary consent for such information to be shared.
It is crucial to recognize that a child's right to privacy, particularly concerning gender identity, is upheld by California's antidiscrimination laws and federal regulations. Disclosing a child's gender identity to their parents without their explicit consent violates these legal protections and disregards the child's right to privacy and autonomy.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA is a federal law in the United States. FERPA governs the privacy of student education records and establishes certain rights for parents and students regarding the release and access to those records.
FERPA generally prohibits educational institutions from disclosing personally identifiable information from a student's education records without the written consent of the parent or eligible student (a student who has reached the age of 18 or attends a postsecondary institution). However, FERPA does allow for certain exceptions to this rule.
Regarding the specific issue of disclosing a student's sexual orientation or gender identity to parents, FERPA does not directly address this matter. Instead, the disclosure of such information would typically fall under the broader rules and regulations related to the privacy and confidentiality of student records.
In practice, educational institutions have a responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Many schools have adopted policies that protect the privacy and confidentiality of students who identify as LGBTQ+ and have guidelines in place to handle sensitive information related to students' gender identity or sexual orientation.
Understanding LGBTQ+ Identities
LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term encompassing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning individuals. Each of these identities represents a unique facet of human diversity, and it is essential to recognize and respect them. Gender identity and sexual orientation are deeply personal aspects of an individual's life, and denying them the right to express themselves authentically can lead to immense psychological distress.
One of the most vulnerable groups within the LGBTQ+ community is transgender children. These courageous individuals, often at a young age, grapple with the realization that their gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Supporting transgender children means creating safe environments where they can freely explore and express their true selves.
Education and Awareness:
Educating ourselves and others about transgender issues is the first step toward creating an inclusive society. By fostering understanding, we can dismantle harmful stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding transgender identities. Schools, families, and communities must provide age-appropriate education that promotes acceptance, respect, and empathy for transgender children.
Mental Health Support:
Transgender children often face unique challenges and may experience higher rates of mental health issues. Access to mental health resources and professional support is crucial in helping them navigate these challenges and develop a positive sense of self. Mental health professionals, alongside families and schools, play a pivotal role in creating a supportive network for transgender children.
Inclusive Policies and Legislation:
Governments, educational institutions, and organizations should enact policies that protect transgender children from discrimination and ensure their rights are upheld. Legal recognition of their gender identity, access to appropriate restrooms and changing facilities, and protection against bullying and harassment are fundamental steps toward creating a safe and inclusive environment for transgender children.
Promoting Acceptance and Inclusion
Supporting LGBTQ+ communities and transgender children is not merely a matter of tolerance; it is about actively promoting acceptance and inclusion. Here are some ways we can contribute to this ongoing process:
Advocacy and Allyship: We can use our voices to advocate for equal rights and social acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals. By becoming allies, we commit ourselves to stand up against discrimination and actively support those whose identities differ.
Creating Safe Spaces: Families, schools, and community organizations can create safe spaces where transgender children feel supported and embraced. This includes promoting gender-neutral language, providing LGBTQ+-inclusive curricula, and offering support groups for children and their families.
Celebrating Diversity: Embracing diversity means celebrating the unique experiences and identities within the LGBTQ+ community. Pride events, awareness campaigns, and cultural initiatives can help raise visibility and promote understanding.
Suicidality Among Transgender Youth
Now comes the dark bit. Transgender youth face a particularly high risk of suicidality. According to a study that examined interpersonal risk factors among transgender youth, 82% of transgender individuals have considered suicide, and 40% have attempted suicide.
Transgender individuals often face unique stressors, including discrimination, harassment, and lack of affirmation of their gender identity. These factors, combined with societal prejudice, can lead to higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Minority stress theory and the interpersonal theory of suicide provide frameworks to understand the complex interplay of factors contributing to suicide risk among transgender individuals.
Suicide risk among transgender individuals can vary based on intersectional factors, such as age, race/ethnicity, and gender. Transgender individuals assigned female at birth have shown higher rates of suicide attempts compared to those assigned male at birth.
Conclusion
It's important to address the underlying causes of these disparities and provide support systems and resources for transgender individuals to improve their mental health and well-being. Organizations and initiatives focusing on mental health support, awareness, and affirming care are crucial in combating these challenges.
Supporting LGBTQ+ communities and transgender children is a testament to our commitment to equality, respect, and human rights. By fostering inclusivity, providing support networks, and advocating for change, we can help create a world where all individuals, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can live authentically and without fear of discrimination. Let us join hands and strive towards a future where everyone is celebrated for who they are and where the rights and well-being of transgender children are safeguarded.