I am thrilled to see policy that is trying to address issues that used to be swept under the rug or ignored. Our public schools should be a welcoming and safe place for all of our students, whatever their needs, preferences, home life, etc. Adding specific policies to ensure the equity of transgender students seems like a step that should’ve already been taken. It has been a tumultuous year for our nation and our state. For me, it has been a wake up call that going back to decent, common practices of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for our fellow man needs to be more of a priority in our culture and society. Given that so many social interactions happen within our schools means that we need to be addressing situations that may feel uncomfortable or that may counter what some parents or families are trying to promote at home. Without contradicting a parents’ right to instill their opinions in their child, I want to be in a classroom where all of my students feel welcome and accepted and able to speak up and share their opinions without fear of repercussions or ramifications from administration or their peers. To that end, I support proposed legislation that would alter policies to ensure that transgender students have equal rights, equal say, and equal protection.