Blog Post #11

    Reading through the Rhode Island laws and policies feels kind of bittersweet. On one hand, it’s a relief to see our state taking gender identity and student safety seriously. But on the other hand, coming across lines like “School personnel should speak with the student first before discussing a student’s gender nonconformity or transgender status with the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s)” is a bit of a hard hitting line. One of the only reasons a guideline like that even has to exist is that too many kids can’t trust the people at home to accept them. And that’s genuinely frightening. How can some parents not love and accept their children, no matter who they are? 

    Another thing I liked was the emphasis on representation and gender-inclusive practices. Things such as not lining up boys and girls based on gender, providing gender neutral bathrooms, and having literature in the classroom that reflects different family structures and identities are super important for the development of our students. Being a student who doesn't fit into the "male" or "female" box would be very tough without these kinds of policies sticking up for them. However, I definitely don't see these things being practiced in my school. I more often than not see classroom lines separated by gender. While I understand why some teachers choose to do this, it is still a little disappointing to see. 

Everyone can be in the same line

    Finally, I think one of the most important things about these policies is their encouragement of teachers to be open with their classrooms. The document repeatedly highlights the need for teachers to be ready to discuss gender, sexuality, identity, and differences, despite being a potentially uncomfortable topic. I think it is important to teach students about things like this so they're not confused or apprehensive when they encounter someone different from them.