Michigan is currently proposing a new set of guidelines to accommodate LGBTQ students ("The State Board of Education Statement and Guidance on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Students").
Much of the proposal talks about training, sensitivity, and
attempts to create a climate free of bullying or discrimination. I think those
are goals we can all agree are worthwhile. Toward the end, the proposal gets
more specific as it relates to students with gender dysphoria. This is where the policy presents a number of difficulties.
Let me be clear: what I’m about to say is not a commentary
on the need to treat those who identify as transgendered with dignity. This is about public policy guidelines that seek to weigh everyone’s
rights and promote the common good of all parties involved. I don’t believe
this proposed policy does either. I will be highlighting several quotes that
stood out to me and offering my concerns about the rationality and impact of this policy.
