Q Of The Day: So How Much Should A School District Consult Parents When Complying With State Law?
by: Autumn Sandeen
Thu Dec 11, 2008 at 03:15:00 AM EST

http://pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=917DA5EC4E9D32E027F0418364E29DFB?diaryId=8563

Here in California, being a transgender adult means I'm treated as a member of a protected class under the state's definition of gender. So are transgender students; transyouth are protected under the definition of gender used in the California Education Code. A school district trying to avoid lawsuits by the parents of transyouth need to comply with the California Education code and accomodate transgender students.

From the Marin Independent Journal, via the Contra Costa Times, entitled Parents irked that transgendered junior high students can use boys' or girls' restrooms:

    Two San Rafael parents are upset by a school policy that allows students who identify as a different gender to use the restrooms and locker rooms assigned to that gender.

    Mark and Elizabeth Swanson say the rule creates the potential for students to be placed in uncomfortable situations.

There is a bunch of stuff to this story, its not just a matter of the rule, its a question of how it was adopted, and the lack of input.

QuoteMark and Elizabeth Swanson say the rule creates the potential for students to be placed in uncomfortable situations.

That's an interesting thought. A rule shouldn't be made that "creates the potential for students to be placed in uncomfortable situations."

Wonder how Mark and Liz feel about mandatory testing, in-school detention, school-cafeteria food and the hiring of teachers who actually attempt to motivate children to learn a little something?

Have to admit that when I was in school those things all did more than created thepotential for me to be in an uncomfortable situation! Add to that the open and totally unprotected areas of the bathrooms and locker rooms and ... wow! I was truly in uncomfortable situations!

Nichole

It is Marin after all.