The Howler - November 16, 2024
The Ottauquechee School's weekly newsletter
Student Discourse
Within a supportive class "den", third graders engage in discussion protocols and apply new writing concepts to unfamiliar texts.
Student-Led Den Meetings
Week 10: Bathrooms and Gender
“The truth is we trans people are so much more scared of you than you are of us.” - Jackson Bird on being trans (6-minute video)
Have you heard the claim that transgender bathroom bans are about “protecting” the most “vulnerable’? There is absolutely no evidence that trans people using a bathroom aligned with their gender identity increases safety risks for cisgender folks. But there is substantial evidence showing that trans and other gender nonconforming people are at risk, including being frequently denied access, verbally harassed, or physically assaulted while trying to use public restrooms. For school-aged kids, consider:
At least 40% of LGBTQ+ students avoided school bathrooms, locker rooms, and physical education or gym classes because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable.
1 in 3 LGBTQ+ students have been prevented from using the bathroom that aligned with their gender identity.
23.8% had been prevented from using the locker room that aligned with their gender.
8% have had a kidney or urinary tract infection in the last year due to avoiding restrooms. (Sourced from GLSEN’s 2015 & 2021 school climate surveys)
So if we are serious about protecting the most vulnerable (and we are), let’s ensure trans kids have access to the bathrooms and locker rooms they feel safest in and, even better—we need to move towards gender inclusive bathrooms for all.
Want to see what gender inclusive bathrooms and locker rooms could look like in schools? Click here!
