It did not surprise me to see that the new Elida school board members introduced a change to the bathroom policy, as that is what they campaigned on to win the seats to the board. Adding it as a “last-minute addition” was very clever, which surprised the other members who asked that it be tabled until the next meeting.
These objections were overlooked, and Jaired Birks said, “It we table this, something could happen.”
Yes, a lot could happen, like maybe a lawsuit because what you are doing is illegal. Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational programs that are federally funded. Elida schools receive about $4.2 million in funding.
There are other ramifications of this foolish endeavor. And the audacity of equating this with Christian principles.
Research has shown that restrictive policies draw unwanted negative attention to the gender minority. Not allowing students to use the bathroom consistent with their gender identity may place them at higher risk of sexual assault. Their peers are now aware of the teen’s status, and they are then more likely to become a victim of abuse. Parents worry their child may be in danger if a trans uses “their” bathroom, but statistics show it is the trans student who is at risk for assault. More harm is done TO rather than BY a trans student. There is lack of evidence showing that there are safety concerns involved with trans students using restroom’s at school.
Most transgender youth are experiencing gender dysphoria, which is defined in the DSM-5-TR as a psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one’s sex assigned at birth and one’s gender identity. Trans people suffer from high levels of stigmatization, discrimination and victimization, contributing to hate crimes. Suicide rates are much higher among trans youth than other groups. The board apparently is not concerned with the health and well-being of all students.
Maybe the school should advise transphobic students to use a separate bathroom if they are uncomfortable instead of causing harm to a gender minority student. These kinds of policies are often fear-based, according to many professionals. I wonder what these three board members are afraid of? My guess is they are just practicing bullying and flexing their muscles. What would Jesus do? Certainly not what you are doing to the least of these my brethren, as it says in Matthew 25:40.
These kinds of cases could end up in the Supreme Court, but don’t count on them to rescue you because for the third time last year, the court turned away cases asking them to diminish the rights of transgender Americans.
Marilyn Gratz
Lima
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