The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has issued new guidance to schools instructing them to conceal student gender transitions from parents. The guidance, which was released on Monday, states that schools should not notify parents if a student requests to use a different name or pronouns, or if they request to participate in gender-segregated activities or programs.
The 42-page guidance gives schools the “correct” terminology to use towards “transgender and gender expansive (TGE)” students whose gender identity does not align with their biological sex and encourages the teachers to have everyone share their name and pronouns at the beginning of each school year and “regularly throughout the year.” In addition, teachers should update the items in the classroom with the student’s “affirmed” name if it changes.
“In some cases, schools will need to provide extra assistance for TGE students to support them and keep them safe. Schools will want to work closely with the student and their parents/guardians, if given permission by the student to involve them in the planning, in devising an appropriate plan regarding the confidentiality of the student’s TGE status,” the guidance explained. “Each student has an individualized life situation that requires different school plans and responses, based on the needs, and wants of the student. It is paramount that schools are cautious about understanding each student’s sense of safety and ability to be ‘out’ at home and school.”
No doubt this move has been met with some serious criticism:
“It’s impossible to deny that the NY Department of Education is more focused on left wing political and ideological causes than on educating students in academic subjects,” Erika Sanzi, director of outreach for Parents Defending Education told Townhall. “They cite radical activists as sources and are relentless in their push to deceive parents about what’s going on with their own children. This guidance is indefensible.”
NYSED’s legal update and best practices framework reflects changes in New York State Human Rights Law and federal law providing enhanced protection to transgender and gender expansive students. https://t.co/XTguuuGOcC #PrideMonth pic.twitter.com/tmKhzAThtc
— NYS Education Department (@NYSEDNews) June 12, 2023
