Reject legislation endangering LGBTQ+ students' safety and well-being

HB2655: Compromising LGBTQ+ Youth Well-Being in Arizona Schools This proposed legislation HB2655 raises grave concerns about the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ students. Requiring schools to disclose a student's gender identity to their parents without consent could lead to unsafe situations for those students and violate their privacy. Furthermore, allowing teachers to refuse to use a student's correct name and pronouns is disrespectful and harmful, especially for transgender and non-binary youth. While religious freedom is important, staff should not be able to impose their beliefs on students in an academic setting meant for all. The potential for lawsuits against schools that try to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students is also deeply troubling. This bill seems to prioritize the perceived rights of school staff over the real needs of vulnerable youth. I urge you to consider the negative impacts this could have and reject legislation that enables discrimination and compromises student safety. Our schools should be supportive spaces where all students can learn free from harassment based on gender identity or expression.