Kansas education board votes to ignore transgender decree

The Obama administration on May 13 issued a directive saying schools must provide transgender students equal access to educational programs and activities.

A state school board member asked that a notice be sent to all OH school boards criticizing recent federal guidance requiring schools to allow transgender students to use the bathroom consistent with their gender identity.

After Sunday’s mass shooting at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Jacksonville Coalition for Equality lawyer Jimmy Midyette said he and other advocates wanted to make sure LGBT students felt supported in speaking out at the School Board meeting.

Topeka public schools also allow transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity and offers gender neutral facilities.

He said that would either entail students using a restroom matching their gender identity, or a single-stall restroom, if that’s what they prefer. She said she was “more concerned about ensuring that the local districts have all of the information … so they aren’t put in a legal predicament while they try to protect all of the students”.

Some districts have said their current practice mirrors the federal directive.

“The “Dear Colleague” letter from the Departments of Education and Justice is a bullying tactic, used by the federal government to circumvent state’s rights regarding education”, said Father Michael Orsi of the Salt and Light Council.

Students “repeatedly tell me the presence of transgender students in restrooms is a non-issue at school”, said McCarthy, who in her professional work regularly sees children and adults whose gender identity or expression differs from their birth sex.

A minority of the commenters, like former teacher Melody Bolduc whose filed to run for school board, said transgender students should be accommodated on a case-by-case basis only.

But Republican Rep. John Whitmer of Wichita told The Wichita Eagle (http://bit.ly/1Onm4RE ) that he doesn’t plan to push for a debate during the Legislature’s coming special session unless Democrats seek to amend an education funding bill.

The Kansas State Board of Education believes that every child has the right to a high quality education delivered within a safe, inclusive and supportive school system. I’m just like every other boy in my grade. “There is fear among students at this age of being ostracized for any reason, and they do not want to have to deal with the harassment and bullying that would certainly come if they publicly assert their right to privacy in the restroom”. Lawrence School Board Vice President Vanessa Sanburn said she hopes that the state board will allow the district to continue accommodating the needs of transgender students.