Georgia school district reverses trans-inclusive bathroom policy after vandalism, death threats

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The Pickens County School District released a disappointing statement on Wednesday justifying its decision to reverse a policy that had allowed transgender students to use bathrooms that are consistent with their gender identity. The Georgia district, located about 60 miles outside of Atlanta, said it had “many serious safety concerns” resulting from the backlash to the policy.

“There have been death threats, student harassment, and vandalism of school property. The District understands and acknowledges that it has the responsibility to protect its staff and students,” officials wrote. “However, the District has concerns that it may not be able to meet these recently increased demands.”

Close to 600 people appeared at a school board meeting on Monday evening. Nearly 50 people spoke about the policy. Unfortunately, while some people supported the policy, others rallied against it. After that, Superintendent Carlton Wilson called an emergency meeting of the school board, at which the members voted to reverse the policy. 

The district originally enacted the policy in accordance with the ruling in a 2018 federal case in Florida, Adams v. School Board of St. Johns County. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Corrigan ruled in that case that the school system had to let a 16-year-old trans boy use the bathroom he felt was consistent with his gender identity. This was a change from requiring transgender students to use only a single-stall, gender-neutral bathroom instead. The St. Johns County school board is appealing the ruling.

What will transgender students in Pickens County do for now? While the inclusive policy is suspended, students will have to use a single-stall, gender-neutral bathroom that was previously used by faculty. 

Reversals like this can be terrifying for trans youth. LGBTQ youth are more likely to experience depression and even more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. Transgender youth face higher rates of homelessness, harassment, and bullying. LGBTQ youth are less likely to graduate from high school. The lack of policies that affirm their lives can only be adding to the difficulties these kids face.

from Daily Kos https://ift.tt/32y8Bzc