Reconsider policies harming transgender students' well-being and safety

The proposed HB1585 legislation raises significant concerns regarding the rights and well-being of transgender and gender non-conforming students. Requiring parental consent for any acknowledgment or support of a student's gender identity could create an unsafe and invalidating environment for these vulnerable youth. Research shows that family rejection of gender identity is a major risk factor for negative mental health outcomes, including depression, substance abuse, and suicidality. Schools should be affirming spaces where all students feel accepted and can explore their identity freely. Rather than policing gender expression, efforts should be focused on providing comprehensive training and resources to create inclusive environments supportive of LGBTQ+ students' holistic needs. Policies should center student privacy while allowing affirming care from trusted school staff. Stripping funding from schools that validate transgender students' identities is an unacceptable overreach that compromises their well-being. I urge reconsideration of this punitive approach that disregards established best practices for supporting gender diverse youth. Inclusive policies fostering understanding and protecting all students should be the priority.