The right-wing myth that prohibiting discrimination against transgender students causes confusion and inappropriate behavior has been shattered by evidence from 17 school districts
The right-wing myth that prohibiting discrimination against transgender students causes confusion and inappropriate behavior has been shattered by evidence from 17 school districts, reports MediaMatters.
Although conservative media outlets argue that transgender non-discrimination policies in schools create confusion, violate students’ privacy rights and can be exploited by students, MediaMatters research shows that 17 school districts covering 600,000 students have experienced no such problems.
For example, Lisa Pinto, spokesperson for Jefferson County Schools in Colorado, said:
“Our District seeks to foster an educational environment that is safe and free from all discrimination for all students. We are very aware of, and participating in, the discussion regarding transgender students using the bathroom of their choice. Additionally, we are currently updating our annual training materials to discuss this matter. We will continue to be involved in these discussions with both our internal population as well as external subject matter experts and updating our training materials appropriately.
“To address your specific question, we are not aware of any a transgender student or any student raising a concern about bathroom use at our schools.”
Additionally, Phil Roeder, director of communications and public affairs for Des Moines Public Schools, Iowa, said:
“When it comes to transgender students and our school district’s practice of making sure we serve students according to their individual gender identity, we have had no reported incidents of any student abusing our policies or taking advantage of them in any way that would be inappropriate or harassing. At this time, we have no examples to support such criticism.”
Conservatives worry transgender protection laws are harmful to other students. They’re wrong: http://t.co/9YIwn7yESZ pic.twitter.com/MWhxwZ8N9b
— Media Matters (@mmfa) June 4, 2015
The MediaMatters report also looks at transgender non-discrimination policies in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington and Vermont.
Watch the MediaMatters report, AFTER THE JUMP…
