Exempt from selective service but school wants reason

[Nero]

I have my exemption letter. I re-enrolled for a few classes and am about to send them the exemption. Weird thing is they want three additional letters from people who know me verifying it. She said something about giving a reason. I told her it was a private medical issue I'd rather not disclose. She said she'd ask her supervisor.

Well, the exemption letter does not state the reason and I really do not want to say. The last school didn't want 3 extra letters or a reason. Coming out as trans will really put a damper on things and make me feel like I'm off on the wrong foot for school. May seem like a small thing but I can really see it messing with my morale. Stealth may not be all it's cracked up to be, but I don't like being outed against my will.

I'm tempted to forget all about this school if they press the issue. If it's enough for the government, it ought to be enough for them. I kind of feel like I'm being treated like a criminal. I don't even have three people to write 'he's exempt for being trans'. My doctor would probably charge me for it.

Any tips? What would you say or do?

[suzifrommd]

Any tips? What would you say or do?

Wonder if this is an ADA issue (I'm assuming you're American, based on the selective service thing). I think it's ADA that prohibits asking about medical conditions that are unrelated to employment. Is there an LGBT legal aid group near where you are?

[Sara Thomas]

Yeah... I can't honestly see how "why" is any of their business - if it were, the exemption letter would state the reason.

[Nero]

Any tips? What would you say or do?

Wonder if this is an ADA issue (I'm assuming you're American, based on the selective service thing). I think it's ADA that prohibits asking about medical conditions that are unrelated to employment. Is there an LGBT legal aid group near where you are?

Hmm. You mean the Americans with Disabilities Act? Well, it's school. Does that still count?

[suzifrommd]

Hmm. You mean the Americans with Disabilities Act? Well, it's school. Does that still count?

Well, I have no actual legal knowledge, only what I picked up as a supervisor.

But I think ADA covers all "public accommodations" which would include a school.

[Brooke777]

Wonder if this is an ADA issue (I'm assuming you're American, based on the selective service thing). I think it's ADA that prohibits asking about medical conditions that are unrelated to employment. Is there an LGBT legal aid group near where you are?


Hmm. You mean the Americans with Disabilities Act? Well, it's school. Does that still count?

Yes. Schools have to comply with every aspect of the ADA. They are held to very strict regulations (take it from a disabled person). You do not have to provide any medical information that does not directly impact your ability to successfully complete your coursework. You can also check out the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Council). They do a lot of work with schools as well. If they press too hard you can file a formal complaint.

[Nero]

Wow! I feel more confident about this already. Thanks everyone!

[Sarah Louise]

That seems very strange, check and see if there is a lgbt organization on campus, I'll bet they can straighten it out.  Truthfully though the school would love to know your TG.  My wife has to fill out a form each month to show their diversity, how many gay teachers, how many tg, etc, its an important issue for them.

[Nero]

That seems very strange, check and see if there is a lgbt organization on campus, I'll bet they can straighten it out.  Truthfully though the school would love to know your TG.  My wife has to fill out a form each month to show their diversity, how many gay teachers, how many tg, etc, its an important issue for them.

Does she work at a college? I'm mainly worried about it spreading. Also this school is really big on publicity, publishing names and stories of students and student work all over the place. If god forbid I was mentioned somewhere, would they make my being trans an issue?

[Sarah Louise]

Yes my wife works at a College, the information is used for administrative purposes and to report to higher offices.  Having more TG/Gay people  helps their record.  It is against the law and school policy to share names.

[Nero]

Okay, thanks hon.

[mm]

I can see you no wanting to give the school any information that could suggest questions about your history and medical situation.  Once I am move I want to be able to control who knows what about me.