When Secretary of Education Karen Robinson recently visited my hometown of Springfield, she toured two schools known for their support of LGBTQ students, particularly transgender ones. As the mother of a transgender daughter, this is a topic close to my heart. However, I was concerned that her visits might give her an overly optimistic view of the reality for transgender youth in middle America. I felt it was essential for her to hear diverse experiences, especially after her department and the Justice Department rescinded critical guidance for transgender students earlier this year.
I reached out to the Department of Education, and Secretary Robinson agreed to speak with me. In mid-October, she and the Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Laura Mitchell, called me. It was an unusual situation for me, as I had never received a call from someone in a presidential cabinet before. I knew I had to address the issue directly, especially considering the fear and confusion many families have faced due to recent policy changes.
I began our conversation by sharing stories about two high schools in nearby Olathe. In one school, members of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) were subjected to ridicule both in person and on social media platforms like Snapchat. The principal’s response was tepid, and no disciplinary action was taken, which only exacerbated the harassment of these students. Conversely, at another school in the same district, LGBTQ students faced similar harassment, but the principal promptly issued a letter to all families, making it clear that any harm to a student’s mental or emotional wellbeing would not be tolerated.
I emphasized to Secretary Robinson that it’s unacceptable for LGBTQ students to face varying levels of protection based solely on their school’s location or the attitudes of local administrators. Federal protections, like those under Title IX, have been upheld in courts and should be universally applied. The withdrawal of the 2016 guidance from the Department of Education has only increased the vulnerabilities of transgender students, as administrators in areas where misconceptions about trans youth are prevalent feel emboldened to deny them their rights.
Next, I shared the tragic story of Jamie Stevens, a 17-year-old transgender girl who was recently murdered in Missouri by her girlfriend and two classmates. Jamie’s death was part of a disturbing trend, with nearly two dozen transgender individuals having lost their lives to violence in the U.S. this year alone. Secretary Robinson was not familiar with Jamie’s story, but I assured her it’s one that will haunt me forever, as it reflects my deepest fears.
While we can’t know if a more inclusive environment could have changed Jamie’s fate, it’s crucial to consider what might have made a difference. Would comprehensive education about gender identity and implementing inclusive policies at her school have changed how her peers perceived her? We will never know, but it’s imperative that we strive to foster a safer environment for all transgender individuals, which can begin with early education.
I also told her about a young trans boy living a few hours away whose family fully supported him through his transition. Despite this, he was forced to use a separate bathroom at school, leading to bullying and ultimately, his tragic suicide. His parents are now living every parent’s worst nightmare. School officials expressed regret about the situation but claimed they felt powerless to act due to concerns raised by other parents about bathroom usage. They failed to recognize what other educational leaders and the American Academy of Pediatrics understand: that affirming students for who they are is vital for their well-being and doesn’t endanger anyone else.
I challenged Secretary Robinson to find a single parent of a cisgender child who felt endangered by sharing a bathroom with a transgender child. I can assure you, she won’t find any. The real risk lies with transgender children, who are facing unimaginable hardships simply for being themselves. I recounted two tragic losses we experienced in recent months and reiterated that even one loss is far too many.
I urged Secretary Robinson to take decisive action rather than offer mere platitudes about fairness for transgender and gender non-conforming children. While her department has stated they will “evaluate” discrimination complaints from LGBTQ students, they have not clearly affirmed that the law protects these students or committed to taking action against discrimination.
I called upon her to provide genuine leadership that unequivocally declares that our most vulnerable youth will be safeguarded rather than marginalized. This message needs to be repeated until it is heard by state legislators, school boards, and all educational staff. Most importantly, every transgender child, whether they have come out or are still finding their voice, needs to know they are valued, visible, and protected.
While I did not leave the conversation with any promises from Secretary Robinson, it was crucial for her to hear my message. I am resolute in my commitment to share my family’s story and advocate for all families and children like mine, striving for a more compassionate and inclusive world. If you wish to make your local schools and communities more welcoming for transgender students, you can find valuable resources at NCTE’s School Action Center or learn more from this excellent guide on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
In a recent conversation with Secretary of Education Karen Robinson, I shared the struggles of transgender students and their families, highlighting the urgent need for effective protections and inclusive environments. Through personal stories, I emphasized the importance of understanding and supporting trans youth to prevent tragic outcomes. I called for more decisive action from educational leaders to ensure that all students feel valued and safe.