I am strongly opposed to this policy and concerned if it is implemented.

First, it places the Department of Education in a position of greater authority than parents. Parents are primarily responsible for raising their children and have a greater insight into their children’s lives than a school administrator or teacher ever can. No government agency should have that level of authority in a child’s life when parents are involved. 

Secondly, this policy can be abused. It can be abused by children who wish to cause problems for teachers or administrators by deciding in a moment to change their preferred pronoun. It can be abused by children who wish to cause members of the opposite biological sex discomfort by using the same facilities, or be used as an opportunity for voyeurism. It can be abused by teachers and administrators who want to push an agenda and encourage children to explore gender identity when the child or the parents may not wish to do so or when the child is exploring gender identity in a safe home environment.

Thirdly, parents or children who follow a faith which does not view gender identity in the same way as the policy (and as the government) will be forced to conform to this policy and abdicate walking in accordance with their faith. The argument will be made that religion is separate from government based education. I submit this is not a separation of religion from schools, but rather government forcing anyone with a faith objection to separate from their faith while in a school environment. This is an infringement of the First Amendment right to practice religion without interference from the government. 

This policy is part of an agenda. Instead of thinking through the potential impacts to children and families those with an agenda to push are rushing headlong into making unwarranted changes.