Page 2-3 - If schools always defer to parents’ judgement millions of children will lack protection from sexual abuse, incest, and physical abuse. I experienced over 15 years of sexual abuse by my parent; I was the child victim of “the parent is always right” belief when schools don’t intervene. Schools have an opportunity to protect children and it is VERY important children know that “parents are not always right” and that school is a potential space to find safety and help if needed.
Page 2-3 - Doctors and therapists do not inform parents of every conversation with a child, they are asked to leave the room for sensitive exams and conversations. In much the same way, a school should NOT be sharing sensitive information released by the student to another adult professional. If a student is in danger at home, they need another place and person to talk to.
Page 2-3 - To serve the needs of all students one needs to accept all students, the 2022 Model does not support or encourage acceptance, but rather tries to conform everyone into one definition and two sexes. The needs of students goes beyond “sex” it includes but is not limited to learning styles, learning disabilities, cognitive differences, and language differences, none of which are mentioned in this model policy.
Page 4 - I support the definitions from the 2021 Model Policy to better support “all” students.
Page 5 - I disagree. 2022 does not include the 2021 policy comments, therefore it is not inclusive.
Page 9 - Nothing in the 2022 Model addresses or gives guidance to the reason a student may be feeling suicidal. To provide dignity and respect to our students, we need to address why someone is feeling unsafe or unsupported. The 2021 Model informs the public and education professional of possible reasons why a student may be feeling suicidal and offers next steps.
Page 10 - We give students different environments to learn (such as labs, gyms, libraries, ramps, even chair options to meet their needs). The proposed restroom policy singles out non-conforming students and denies them an environment to not only learn (gym prep) but for a basic human biological function.
Resources – If the 2021 Model policy does not include the 2022 model resources, then update the 2021 version to include them.
Sample Policy - By forcing educational personnel to follow school records vs a student’s preference, you are no longer supporting or treating “all” students with respect and dignity.
I strongly oppose the 2022 Model Policy, and I support the current 2021 Model Policy.