In yet another display of cowardice that we have come to expect from corporations and educational institutions in the Trump administration, the Bellevue Public School Board voted against the equal treatment and rights of transgender students. You can read the policy on Transgender Students here. It’s not completely hateful but it’s halfway there. The board members who voted unanimously to marginalize transgender students are:
- Maureen McNamara (Board President – maureena.mcnamara@bpsne.net)
- Scott Eby (Board Vice President – scott.eby@bpsne.net)
- Patrice Beckham (Board Trustee – patrice.beckham@bpsne.net)
- Phil Davidson (Board Trustee – phil.davidson@bpsne.net)
- Matt Goetz (Board Trustee – matt.goetz@bpsne.net)
- Nina Wolford (Board Trustee – nina.wolford@bpsne.net)
I’m sure plenty of folks will celebrate this vote because they hate their fellow humans in general, but I hope those who stand up for human rights will let the board know that this is not acceptable.
Why, you may wonder, are corporations, schools and universities making decisions like this? It comes down to one thing, the one thing that rules this country: money. They are afraid of losing Federal dollars, so they are obeying in advance. That’s all they care about right now. Not the people, not the parents, and certainly not the students.
To be fair, more money means schools can serve more students, but why disenfranchise the minority? This is a cowardly move and giving in to our fascist President and his followers will only continue to embolden them. It seems people have forgotten the term “We don’t negotiate with terrorists.” Well, apparently Bellevue Public Schools does not only negotiate with them, but give in to them. Don’t be surprised if other school districts in the state follow in sacrificing the safety and dignity of transgender students for cash.
A thought: Schools and teachers are mandatory reporters to DHHS. They’re expected to protect kids when they suspect abuse at home. Why are they not expected to protect kids who are transgender, especially since they are often the targets of bullying and sexual assault? LGBTQIA youth are more likely to be abused at home if not physically, certainly mentally and emotionally. So how are teachers supposed to show up for them now if they’re allowed to out them?
Stop handing the alt-Right easy wins. Fight for our most vulnerable kids – for their safety and dignity. Fight back against the fear-mongering that transgender people are inherently predatory. All they want is to be treated with respect, like any other person.
Do the right thing. Stand with trans kids.
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