Education And LGBTQ: Proposed Transgender Policy Causing Debate Among Different Parties

Some Republicans in the Michigan House of Representatives strongly criticized the drafted guidance from the State Board of Education. The proposed policy that aims to provide a safe environment for the students, who are identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning their identity has been raising concerns among different parties.

Some Of The State's Proposed Policy

The proposed policy is encouraging local school districts to allow students to use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity. Other recommendations include, students should be allowed to use the locker rooms that's in accordance with their gender identity.

The staff at the schools should address the transgender students by their chosen name and pronounce it that corresponds to their gender identity. In addition, the "schools should make a good-faith effort to change unofficial student records with the chosen name and appropriate gender markers to promote consistency among teachers, substitute teachers, school administrators and other staff."

A proposed transgender policy @NLSSchools has so far drawn a mix of praise and criticism: https://t.co/82Yv79KduT

— West Central Tribune (@wctrib) Marso 29, 2016

The Concerns

However, some of the republicans have raised their concerns over the proposed transgender policy. Some think that the proposal will only eliminate parental authority.

House Speaker Kevin Cotter, R-Mt. Pleasant, is among of those critics raising their concern about the proposed policy. He said allowing kids to change their gender identity at school without informing their parents about it is unacceptable, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Another critic who voiced out his concern is state Rep. Gary Glenn, R-Midland. He said allowing kids to share bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity is "bizarre, radical practice." The proposal will also "threatens the privacy, security, and comfort of our public school students," he added.

LGBT Advocacy Group Stepped Up

The LGBT advocacy group argued and defended the proposed transgender policy. Equality Michigan said the proposed transgender policy is the first step to protecting LGBTQ students from harassment, violence and discrimination, as per MLive.

Parents And Teachers' Opinion

Many parents and teachers took the issue to www.everyvoicecountsmi.org, a forum for Michigan's education stakeholders and for the parents to exchange their views about education. Nearly 6,000 people already posted their concerns. While some supported the proposed policy, others thought that the policy is not agreeable.