my parents never taught me about sex.
i learned about it through my friends fuckin’,
sex scenes in movies,
and seeing through the static on the “spice” channel.
i learned about sexuality through my own desires and the internet.
i never was taught anything about the trans community.
it wasn’t a “big thing” like it is now.
i’d like to think parents want to teach their cubs about stuff like this.
what if a teacher decided it was their duty to do it?
well this happens to be a true story,
and of course,
it has parents at this one school in sacremento, california VEX af!
this the story via sacremento cbs local news…
The Rocklin Academy school board is facing tough questions from parents concerned over a controversial incident involving transgender discussions inside a kindergarten class.
“These parents feel betrayed by the school district that they were not notified,” said Karen England with the Capitol Resource Institute.
The incident happened earlier this summer during the last few days of the academic school year.
At Monday night’s board meeting, the teacher at the center of the controversy spoke out. With emotions high, she addressed a packed house.
“I’m so proud of my students, it was never my intent to harm any students but to help them through a difficult situation,” she said.
The teacher defended her actions to read two children’s books about transgenderism including one titled “I am Jazz.” She says the books were given to her by a transgender child going through a transition.
“The kindergartners came home very confused, about whether or not you can pick your gender, whether or not they really were a boy or a girl,” said England.
Parents say besides the books, the transgender student at some point during class also changed clothes and was revealed as her true gender.
And many parents say they feel betrayed and blindsided.
“I want her to hear from me as a parent what her gender identity means to her and our family, not from a book that may be controversial,” a parent said.
“My daughter came home crying and shaking so afraid she could turn into a boy,” another parent said.
The issue was not on the agenda, so parents spoke out during public comment.
“It’s really about the parents being informed and involved and giving us the choice and rights of what’s being introduced to our kids, and at what age,” said parent Chelsea McQuistan.
Many teachers also spoke out in support of what transpired inside the classroom. They spoke about the importance of teaching students about diversity and having healthy dialogues.
One parent said the impact on her son was extremely positive.
“It was so precious to see that he had absolutely no prejudice in his body. My child just went in there and listened to the story, and didn’t relate it to anything malicious, or didn’t question his own body,” she said.
“When we head in the direction of banned books or book lists, or selective literature– that should only be read inside or outside the classroom, I think that’s a very dangerous direction to go,” said 7th grade teacher Kelly Bryson.
The district says the books were age-appropriate and fell within their literature selection policy. Unlike sex education, the topics of gender identity don’t require prior parental notice.
In a statement during the board meeting, the district said: “As indicated by Superintendent Robin Stout in a communication last week, staff will be engaging parents and teachers in discussions about how materials outside our curriculum will be addressed in the future.”
The large discussion has compelled the board to put the item on the next month’s agenda.
some of those parents look like they was gonna jump that teacher.
i’ll be perfectly honest with you…
if my cub came home and told me this,
freaking the fuck out,
i would have been upset.
you damn right the hubz and i would have been front row at that meeting.
this is a kindergarten class.
i’m sure they are just learning to write their own names.
this is a heavy topic that parents need to discuss with their cubs.
it’s the same as the “birds and the bees” talk.
would you want a stranger teaching your 5 year old about sex?
if anything,
the parentals should have been well informed prior.
Am I wrong?
lowkey: it’s one thing with teenagers,
but kindergartners?
article: sacramento cbs local
PRAISE GOD for socially conscious individuals like YOU Sasha! It reignites my faith in humanity when I can read comments from individuals who also understand the raw importance of providing the information and explanations to children as early as possible. These books and stories help young children COPE with their personal changes or to even tolerate those changes in others.
You are absolutely right! Children must be exposed to the identity of non-gender conforming peers in order to not examine them as “freaks” and begin bullying. I wish to GOD more adults understood the FACT that trans kids are aware of their identity by the time they enter kindergarten. And even if they aren’t aware of the names/titles, they absolutely know that they PREFER certain toys, clothing and gender play that doesn’t align with their assigned BOY/GIRL birth label.
Brent, you’re praising God! Don’t you know he doesn’t love weirdos like you! What are you doing praising a christian God of all things?! SMH you are one sick ass mentally unstable individual. Go get help!
Brent Christopher is a triggered non binary gender neutral special snowflake troll. That’s what I got while scrolling through the comments section.
Okay, so my question is, why teach gender and sexuality at a young age? I really don’t understand why teachers are doing this. To me, the teacher was wrong because the teacher should have never taught about gender in the first place. The child is too young to even identify with gender at a young age because it is still developing. The kindergartner haven’t even reached puberty yet. SMH.
When I was in school, I had sex ed around the time I was in the 6th or 7th grade which is appropriate at the time. I mean as far as my experiences as a child dealing with sexual preference and gender identity, I’ve had moments where I would wrap towels around my chest or even put on lipstick or wear heels as if I was a woman. Of course, I did not say that I wanted to be a woman, so I guess I was experimenting with being a drag queen.
Now as far as transgender or transexual phenomenon goes, these kids are nothing more than gender bending freaks who are basically booger drag queens and they love attention and never got it.
Yes! Thank you!
@BMoney — the fact that you co-signed this kween’s inflammatory, transphobic response with a “thank you”, makes me wonder if you are also a bigot or instead so desperate to find someone in this comment section to support your poorly delivered opinion that you’d side with just any ol’ rhetoric. please choose your allies a lot more wisely.
“Brent Christopher is a triggered non binary gender neutral special snowflake troll. That’s what I got while scrolling through the comments section.” — did your white ‘frat bros’, Brett, Gunner & Caleb help you come up with that one? BWAHAHAHA!
Are you even somewhat aware of the fact that children begin identifying with their gender, expected norms and preferred pronouns as early as the age of FOUR? did you know this tid bit of scientific information before you commented? Children must be FIVE to enroll in kindergarten amongst 42 of our 50 states. So, it would make total sense for a KINDERGARTEN teacher to read a book or teach a lesson geared towards trans identity.
“Now as far as transgender or transexual phenomenon goes, these kids are nothing more than gender bending freaks who are basically booger drag queens and they love attention and never got it.” — this final sentence sums up completely why your standing as a member of the LGBT community is as toxic to the welfare of our children in questioning as the red side decision makers who are attempting to strip away our rights.
I know you thought you were really GOING IN within the content of your commentary, but instead, you’ve completely spewed enough ignorance and shallow thought to place an explanation mark behind WHY children need to learn about gender identity as early as the day they are told to line up separately as GIRLS and then BOYS.
you can’t be any older than 21/22 years old.
Brent Christopher, what’s your favorite subject? I will point out some stuff you said in your tirade that maybe you need to calm down before attacking ANYONE ON THIS PAGE, and by the way, THIS IS INSIDE JAMARI FOX website, not BRENT CHRISTOPHER’S SUNNY SIDE OF FAGGOTRY AND TRANNY BEAUTY! Know that hunty!
“Brent Christopher is a triggered non binary gender neutral special snowflake troll. That’s what I got while scrolling through the comments section.” — did your white ‘frat bros’, Brett, Gunner & Caleb help you come up with that one? BWAHAHAHA!
1. I’m not white (dunh, dunh, dunhhhhhhhhh!)
2. I am gay man who happens to be NOT a member of a fraternity and if I were to pledge, it would’ve been Phi Beta Sigma fraternity incorporated (given the fact that I’m not openly gay because homophobia is rampant in the National Pan-Hellenic Council or I could be wrong, but whatever *shrugs*)
3. You’re very triggered because I’ve seen your statements on this website and they all scream “TRIGGERED!!!!” across the board. Maya Angelou said it best, “If someone shows you who they are, believe them!” and I believe that you’re a triggered troll who according to unofficial definitions is a special snowflake that is gender non-binary. So there you have it. Let’s keep going shall we? Okay!
4. “Are you even somewhat aware of the fact that children begin identifying with their gender, expected norms and preferred pronouns as early as the age of FOUR? did you know this tid bit of scientific information before you commented? Children must be FIVE to enroll in kindergarten amongst 42 of our 50 states. So, it would make total sense for a KINDERGARTEN teacher to read a book or teach a lesson geared towards trans identity.”
Yes, yes I am. It’s called “Parenting 101” Parents have the ability to raise their child in ways that would make them hateful or not. If you were a parent, would you raise your child to love everyone in the world. Of course you would, but you would also teach them morals and values to live by and to encourage them to make sound decisions. That’s if they are now at the age of 10 and older because they have the cognition, thinking, and understanding to do so.
5. “did you know this tid bit of scientific information before you commented? Children must be FIVE to enroll in kindergarten amongst 42 of our 50 states. So, it would make total sense for a KINDERGARTEN teacher to read a book or teach a lesson geared towards trans identity.”‘
Yes, the scientific information came from ME GOING TO FUCKING COLLEGE AND GRADE SCHOOL DUMB ASS! I’VE TAKEN PSYCHOLOGY, BIOLOGY, and SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, with biology being part of the curriculum in my home state. Also, Sex Education in middle school and high school and it is also part of biology. It is UP to the states school board to make those decisions about what to teach in their school. By the way, were you homeschooled? If so, you need to stay at home! *grins*
6. “Now as far as transgender or transexual phenomenon goes, these kids are nothing more than gender bending freaks who are basically booger drag queens and they love attention and never got it.” — this final sentence sums up completely why your standing as a member of the LGBT community is as toxic to the welfare of our children in questioning as the red side decision makers who are attempting to strip away our rights.
How? *kanye shrug* On June 26, 2015 the supreme court made the decision to legalize same sex marriage across all the United States. I was graduating from a trade school at that time. I really didn’t give a shit about LGBT rights because I was graduating. I care about my education more than my sexuality because who wants a dumb bitch in a relationship? Plus, they already had people fighting for rights and plus before the decision, some states were already legalizing same sex marriage. So where were you when that was happening?
7. I know you thought you were really GOING IN within the content of your commentary, but instead, you’ve completely spewed enough ignorance and shallow thought to place an explanation mark behind WHY children need to learn about gender identity as early as the day they are told to line up separately as GIRLS and then BOYS.
First amendment grants me to speak my mind and second amendment grants me to shoot your crazy ass on-site if I ever see you *grins*
8. you can’t be any older than 21/22 years old.
*in my fisherman’s voice* oooooh you almost had it, you gotta be quicker than that! LOL
In conclusion, BRENT CHRISTOPHER, shut the utter fuck up and stop getting into your feelings about what is being posted here! If you don’t like it, LEAVE AND LOG OFF YOU LITTLE BITCH! DAMN!
Not really. You may dismiss this topic, hide your head down in the ground and pretend nothing is happening as an adult. But a small trans kid knows deeply where she or he stands.You can’t convert people to become gay just as you can’t be converted into trans, and only because of a book. What this does is present kids with a story they may relate to. If they see a non gender conforming kid they will not bully him or her to death. If a kid feels like he or she may be trans. They will feel less isolated and more confident to know there are others like themselves around.
PRAISE GOD for socially conscious individuals like YOU Sasha! It reignites my faith in humanity when I can read comments from individuals who also understand the raw importance of providing the information and explanations to children as early as possible. These books and stories help young children COPE with their personal changes or to even tolerate those changes in others.
You are absolutely right! Children must be exposed to the identity of non-gender conforming peers in order to not examine them as “freaks” and begin bullying. I wish to GOD more adults understood the FACT that trans kids are aware of their identity by the time they enter kindergarten. And even if they aren’t aware of the names/titles, they absolutely know that they PREFER certain toys, clothing and gender play that doesn’t align with their assigned BOY/GIRL birth label.
Wow this is a hot topic. I understand that a parent may want to be the one to talk to their kid about this sort of thing, but when you have child in your class and he/she is presenting as the opposite gender the other kids are going to ask questions. I think the teacher has to address the topic if it’s in her/his classroom but not in depth and it needs to be developmentally appropriate, example: “teacher why does Mike dress like a girl” “because Mike has talked to his parents and they say it’s ok for him to dress that way” that’s it.
I totally and completely appreciate your logical standpoint and open mind. THANK YOU for being here.
Even though I see where both sides of the argument are coming from, I agree with Jamari, Jay and JayJ. The teacher may had good intentions on teaching the kids about gender identity and how some people choose to be the person they always wanted to be, it still wasn’t right to not inform the parents of this. Despite how some in the comments thinks its not a big deal discussioning about a topic like this, the general pubic says otherwise. If this wasn’t such a deal to talk about, we wouldn’t have so many heated debates about this everytime someone bring this topic up. Hell, Jamari gets called trans-phobic if his views on a subject like this isn’t too politically correct for some people! This is a touchy subject for some adults to wrap their head, let alone kindergartners and I know there are some kids who can identify what and who they choose to be and thats great, but not every kid is like that. I really think the teacher shoulda held a parents’ night or some thing to AT LEAST informed them on what book they wanted to talk about in class. If some parents didn’t like it, they didn’t have to send their kid to school that day, and if the teacher informed them first, it could’ve started that conversation at home first. Some parents could’ve gave additional info on gender identification that the teacher didn’t cover. Like JayJ pointed out, the teacher may have not given all the points of view. Idk. Maybe I have an old soul or something, but whats wrong with finger painting in kindergarten? Whats wrong with reading The Berenstain Bears, learning about sample math and spelling. Learning about fire danger and not talking to strangers? We are seeing too many stories on the news nowadays on how some teachers are giving lessons and talking about stuff that even the students themselves find inappropriate! Not too long ago, I saw a story about teacher giving a questionnaire to their class about which race makes them feel the most comfortable.. WTF! I just think kindergarten is too young to be talking about this WITHOUT informing the parents before hand🤷🏾♂️
you are extremely inarticulate and therefore should consider editing your half ass commentary before hitting the POST button.
Wow…You say I’m extremely inarticulate by the one comment I made smh You don’t know me what so ever, but if you stick around and see some of the randoms comments people leave on this blog on the regular, you will see what real inarticulate comments look like. Good-bye!
@BMoney — I don’t HAVE to “know you” to read your PUBLICLY POSTED comment and realize that you lack age appropriate grammar usage, sentence structure, spelling skills and word usage. Don’t publicly tackle issues of this magnitude when you clearly lack the knowledge or vocabulary to appropriately support your misguided stance. Stick to responding to the half dressed, muscle bound, gym bunny articles that are posted here.
Lmao you don’t move me. Like at all.
I’ve been clear about what type of person you are from jump. You were just entertainment for me honestly, but I am done engaging you. The novelty has worn off honestly.
awe…
GOODNITE.
You make some good arguments about tolerance but there is more to this trans issue than that. What if a parent does not believe in the separation of sex a gender? That teacher is pro trans and that book identified the person as expressing their true gender. It did more than simply provide knowledge. Not everyone believes in this topic the same way. Everybody does not consider trans individuals as the gender they want to be. There is certainly substantiated info that supports that belief. Is that information going to be provided as well? Just because someone may not agree that trans are the gender they present does not make one a bigot or intolerant. If I am a parent who believes a certain way I surely wouldn’t want the school to push their views on to my child. From the article one child was completely confused. How can they discuss this topic when it is still something that is highly debated. Are they really providing the children a full perspective or just biased information? I think the teacher was out of line.
Listen to me JayJ…it does not matter whether or not a parent “believes” or accepts the difference between sex and gender. It would be the same as if the parent didn’t “believe” that the ski is blue and cows moo. FACTS are proven through recorded stats, data and human study. The same way that gay men and women are born with an attraction to the same sex, only CHOOSING to one day act upon that attraction, trans individuals are born feeling like the opposite sex and only one day CHOOSE to ignite the physical change.
I was raised in the 1980’s. as a result, yes…certain topics and themes were still mandated for an ‘at home only” conversation. however, in the year 2017, it is almost IMPOSSIBLE to discuss any current event or to even have children flip through a magazine to cut out photos for the use of creating a collage, without them being bombarded by images and phrases that will spark these similar conversations. religious, conservative, bigoted families can hold as many damn press conferences as they please. but soon…the only way they will avoid their kindergarten children from being read stories about gender identity and non-normative behaviors will be to teach their pupils AT HOME. and what a better day it will be when teachers are soon mandated to include these topics into their weekly social studies, reading and biology coursework.
Listen to me JayJ…it does not matter whether or not a parent “believes” or accepts the difference between sex and gender. It would be the same as if the parent didn’t “believe” that the ski is blue and cows moo. FACTS are proven through recorded stats, data and human study. The same way that gay men and women are born with an attraction to the same sex, only CHOOSING to one day act upon that attraction, trans individuals are born feeling like the opposite sex and only one day CHOOSE to ignite the physical change.
THE BOTTOM LINE…
within the next 5 years, lessons about race, class, gender and sexuality will be taught in classrooms long before a child reaches the fifth grade. there is no way in 2017 that even pre-school and kindergarten teachers can avoid student prompted questions about sexual identity, blatant racism, poverty, violence and pregnancy at NOW the ages of 11 and 12 years old.
Not in the red states. They couldn’t even get the bathroom bill passed.
@Dignified: They won’t have to move their kids to another school. The teacher is much more expendable than the children and fussing with parents. Obviously the school has high parental involvement. Kindergarten teachers are a dime a dozen. This won’t be an issue in the future.
NOOOOOW Im clear about the type of man you are. For a second, I was confused — hence me continuing to respond to your comments. Im hoping to God you aren’t black. BUT…if indeed you are, it is so blatantly clear that you represent the sambo who follows the lead of his oppressor and then runs to tell on the intellectual rebels who are attempting to ignite change. you stand in your classroom and teach EXACTLY by the book; therefore existing as one of the least inspiring and least influential teachers amongst the staff.
you rarely, if ever in your everyday life do anything that doesn’t exist along “socially acceptable” lines. you’re single and have been for the large majority of your life. your students lack any real emotional connection to you. Your closest relationships are solely with the women in your family and on the rare occasion that you do get to f*ck, it’s always missionary, in a bed, with the lights off. LMAO! no offense.
LMAO. Your assumptions are so wrong they’re laughable, but they do confirm you have no valuable insight to offer.
Goodnight…indefinitely:)
@JAY If it came down to a choice between the student and the teacher, perhaps. I’m not going to pretend to know how the system works, but if possible, I would take my child out of the school without raising it as an issue. I would cite it vaguely as: the school is not a good fit for my child. If it was so horrible, that is. Even given your examples: if the teacher was praising Trump or preaching religious verses to my child. I’d like to think that I’d use that opportunity to teach my kid/s why I’m teaching them what I’m teaching them, Why I think the way I do, and for them to decide for themselves what’s right, as long as they have informed opinions, and not just take people’s (including mine) word for it. But that’s just ME. I’d value the morals I teach at home vs any garbage that may come from a potentially idiot teacher. If it’s so bad, we’d have to find a better school, but I’d like to think we wouldn’t have to because we’re good parents. JMO.
If that’s how they roll, they can roll that way, they don’t need to conform to me, nor do I want them to.
well if this is the case,
they need to also teach the cubs about all subjects.
homophobia and racism being the biggest.
are there books on those topics for cubs as well?
and are those topics being taught in schools?
absolutely. do you really think teachers in 2017 aren’t bringing in alternative and supplemental materials to teach lessons about homophobia and racism in their classroom environments?
I think you could benefit from teaching yourself about TRANSPHOBIA before you attempt to post any other blog story regarding trans identity of any scale. I dont genuinely even think you’re conscious of the fact that you hold certain prejudices against transgender people. I dont think you intentionally or maliciously have ill feelings towards such a minority group, but you do. Its all written and present within the context of your posts. Im serious. Ive noticed it for a very long time now and so has many of your other readers. so, its true.
Let them read the old testament to the kids too then, doesn’t matter if some kids come from muslim,buddhist, or non religious families right? Fuck what the parents want. lol
They keep religion out of public school for a reason and the same should apply to this as well.
If we open the door to let teachers teach whatever because “they know everything because they’re teachers” you have to be prepared for all kinds of issues.
I’m sorry, but I’m not seeing this argument. Why would they teach kids religious scripts in a public school? That’s what catholic school is for… They keep religion out of public schools because they already have schools designated for that. Religion is a choice, orientations and identities encompass everyone, so I don’t see how that wouldn’t or couldn’t be worked into the public school system. They are different, so no, you need a different reason to “keep this out” of public schools.
Listen I can understand a parent’s reservations for having these discussions with their young children without their consent. That, I can see the argument and the conflict. Perhaps there should have been a consent letter, perhaps it shouldn’t have happened at all, but maybe it was necessary. This is where the grey area lies.
^the parents are mad because they weren’t notified and felt blind sided
that’s the reality of the story.
if they were all notified prior and they still had an attitude,
it would be a non issue.
its basic common courtesy as a teacher to keep parents updated.
that’s it.
grow up Jay. your comparison of strict religion to universal gender identity makes absolutely no sense. you sound just as ridiculous as conservative tropes who compare rapists, murderers and pedophiles to homosexuality. are you being 100% serious right now?
They COULD teach religious concepts if we give them free range of what they can talk about with kids they are not raising. All the parents want are boundaries and rightfully so.
As a certified teacher, if I even suspect a student is dealing with abuse or in danger of hurting themselves my first call is to the school counselor because it is a serious issue not in my lane. I deal with older kids and it would never even occur to me to discuss the topic of gender identity with children just starting school.
I’ve seen Teachers get jumped on by parents for much less…like literally jumped on.
@Jamari I like the suggestion about the parent’s perhaps getting some sort of consent form. It’s the polite thing to do. But I don’t believe “blind-sightedness” is the reality of the story at all. Some parents don’t want their kids being taught these subjects to their kids due to their own personal dispositions towards those subjects. Whether those dispositions are justified or not, that is the reality of the story. A consent form wouldn’t stop the outrage, I’m pretty confidant on that front.
Mind you. I’m not heavy for or against it. I do see both sides, how it could be good, bad etc. I don’t think anyone is blatantly wrong here, but most people who have opinions on these topics have a hard time understanding that.
They do tho, I went to public school in the Bronx from pre-k to the end of high school, and some of this stuff was discussed. Not really in elementary school, but in middle school on(6th-12th grade 2001-2008). Then I worked at a health clinic in a 6-12 grade school a few years ago, and they were appropriately teaching kids about drugs, safe sex, STDs, domestic violence/sexual assault, gender, sexuality, etc.
Growing up in the hood you hear and learn a lot from street niggas, or your brothers and friends that is just flat out wrong, ignorant, and can get you into a lot of trouble. So I feel like teachers who are educated in these topics can really have an positive impact.
Well who else would be better to explain it than a teacher? They’ll usually have more knowledge and resources to properly teach kids about tough topics like this.
Parents are mad pussy too. They wanna front like shit was so much better in the past, but a lot of heated issues kids face today are because of past generations. People need to start being real, and talk/ educate younger people so that we can coexist in peace. We don’t have to tell them every adult detail, but like at least explain in a kid friendly way.
Side note
People shouldn’t have kids in this day in age if they can’t handle them being gay, trans, or disabled. So many sad stories going around of kids killing themselfs, parents being abusive, or killing kids because they aren’t “normal”.
THANK YOU KRB?! It makes me feel so good to see that other open minded, clear thinking, culturally aware and socially in touch individuals are out here in the world. LORD I so appreciate you people. Jamari never seems to get it when it comes to transgender topics of any kind. EVER!
Are you also aware JAY that some kids are “distressed” after they realize that a man who has the same white skin as he does used whips to brutalize black people and ropes to hang said people from trees. does that then mean that lessons about slavery should also be abolished and replaced with daily naps and finger painting? should images of Emmitt Tills mangled face be removed from history textbooks so people like you and your children aren’t “distressed” by the reality of a history NOW repeating itself in modern times? I cannot stand men like you. so completely misguided and withdrawn from everyday, ground level struggle. it’s disgusting!
Well said. I read the comments so far and both sides have valid arguments, but tbh, I´m laning towards Brent Christopher´s side on this one. The “distressed” child in this article is being dramatic and the parents didn’t do a good job of calming them down. This doesn’t need to be a traumatizing experience. It really doesn’t have to be that serious. If the teacher does a good job, I really don’t see the harm. Kids are more likely to associate with whatever is being taught in the home as “reality” no matter what they’re being taught in school, so I don’t think putting all this weight on the educator is really any relevant. Family trumps education when it comes to overall outlook. JMO
So what happens when the teacher is a Trump surrogate teaching these sensitive topics to your kids? Maybe the teachers views align with yours now, but that might not always be the case. Kids shouldn’t be getting mixed messages between home and school.
You shouldn’t have “distressed” my child with the topic in the first place. You’re not raising my kid and your personal values might not align with the values I’m instilling so stay in your lane and stick to finger painting, naps, and books like The Little Engine that could.
Like I said it’ll be all good for ya’ll until they start filling their heads with bible verses then you all will say its wrong.
Maybe, or I’d just find a school with staff that align more with views. All this huff and puff over something that really isn’t a big deal. The child shouldn’t be “distressed” in the first place, first of all, and if it’s “soo stressful”, find a better school that suits your needs. Aren’t you the same one who would jump on a gay couple for not doing the same when they sue a printing company for not wanting to provide service for a gay couple because they’re religious? The gay couple would be “pushing their agenda” etc for suing instead of just going to where they’re appreciated. I would incline to agree. Same thing here. Don’t like it, go somewhere else that aligns with your personal “agenda” seeing as, in reality, we all have one.
Perhaps I could agree with you in staying in one’s lane with the finger painting, naps etc. but I have my arguments in favour of pushing that envelope, and actually starting these conversations at a young age.
Are you also aware JAY that some kids are “distressed” after they realize that a man who has the same white skin as he does used whips to brutalize black people and ropes to hang said people from trees? does that then mean that lessons about slavery should also be abolished and replaced with daily naps and finger painting? should images of Emmitt Till’s mangled face be removed from history textbooks so people like you and your children aren’t “distressed” by the reality of a history NOW repeating itself in modern times? I cannot stand men like you. so completely misguided and withdrawn from everyday, ground level struggle. it’s disgusting!
so let me get this straight…
a transgendered cub comes into class and hands teacher a book to read.
teacher takes it upon herself to read said book to students.
students go home with questions to blind sided parents.
on some:
“AND THATS STORY TIME!
HAPPY VACATION!”
um…
^how about a letter letting the parents know what is happening with the student,
how this will be taught and implemented,
and feel free to reach out if there are any questions?
where was that letter?
i’m sure if that was sent out,
there would have been no blow back.
the way the teacher went about it was wrong.
that is a very big topic that needs to be broken down for cubs to understand.
now we got parents who don’t even know how to explain it,
or didn’t want to explain it in the first place.
my apologies if i’m not seeing it in that way.
what YOU always seem to miss Jamari is that TRANS is not a “big issue”. for individuals like you who obviously were not exposed to much of anything regarding sexuality in your home, I can see how or why a lot of this seems so taboo and hush hush and a BIG DEAL in the scope of everyday existence. in 2017, a teacher reading a story or a book about gender identity is as necessary as the teacher who would not send a damn letter home to share that he or she would be reading a book about black boys being murdered by white cops. A LOT of conservative, out of touch parents arent having those conversations at home either and would feel just as “blindsided” by the questions their 5 years old were presenting.
Apparently you’re not the only one with the issue seeing as how the parents brought it to the school board’s attention and it will be discussed further at the next meeting.
I know that teacher was checked in private.
The School Board does not want these problems at all compounded with all the other shit they have to deal with.
^judging from that packed classroom,
there was a lot of parents had issues with it.
i asked a few folks i know and they didn’t think it should have been done without notification.
as reported in the article,
one of the cubs was already freaked out thinking they would “turn into a boy”.
Im sure the “people you asked” were the individuals you feel most comfortable with — more so because they think and act a lot like you when it comes to real life issues. you’re retelling of their shared opinions does nothing to support your misguided perspective.
I just feel like touching on topics like this without getting permission for parents is a slippery slope.
You don’t know what religious ideals or values parents are instilling in their children and it should be the same regarding religion and serious issues like suicide and abuse.
Our education system isn’t even teaching what they’re supposed to be teaching well and they want to take on topics like this with kindergartners?
The teacher definitely had an agenda and if she were black she’d be fired.
children should not be raised under any religious beliefs or ideals that rebuke trans identity. therefore, teachers who plant these seeds as early as possible in the minds of young people are doing those children a due service. I applaud educators who step outside of the norm and adapt social issues of contemporary times to their classroom framework. kudos to this particular individual. may more and more begin following his/her lead. let the bigots and homophobes teach their demonic beliefs at home.
That’s not for the teachers or YOU to decide seeing as how they’re not your kids.
The education system in my state does not have gender identity courses in their curriculum and they still have to inform parents when discussing any human sexuality topics whether its through the code of conduct or written notice. I’m not equating the two but they are both complex topics parents should have input on before presenting it to their children.
If people are up in arms about this in California, a notoriously liberal state, educators would be fired in the state where I reside.
I’m sure you’d feel differently if teachers integrated religious beliefs in the curriculum to your child without getting your permission.
and…please understand that there is a HUGE DIFFERENCE between discussions regarding sexual orientation and sexual identity. a “birds and bees” conversation introduced to a five year old boy or girl does not at all fall within the same realm as a controlled, age appropriate story about gender and ones acceptance of feelings vs. physical features and characteristics.
Nope. Not professional.
I’ve done teaching certification and this is overstepping boundaries.
I can guarantee you this won’t happen again. Those white parents do not play. Lol
it was VERY professional. and gender identity courses are indeed being included in curriculums all across the country beginning in kindergarten and first grade classes. what are you even talking about? school boards do not at all have to request permission from parents to teach lessons about gender, race or class in this day and time. some of you really need to understand that SEXUALITY is a totally separate topic and this wasn’t an 8th grade health lesson being introduced to five year olds. UGH! how old are some of you in real life?
Jay pay no mind to that bipolar buffoon under your comment. He clearly has a couple screws loose.
the same “bipolar buffoon” who earned his Bachelors of Science degree from Temple University in Cultural Studies & Human behavior in 2004, as well as a first Masters of Science from Penn State in Clinical Psychology in 2007 and a second from Mcdaniel College in Education in 2012? is that the “buffoon” you speak of? HAHAHAHAHA! got it.
My commentary is based on years and years of research, study and field experience. MOST of you are responding with inflated opinions based on the micro ways in which your families handled situations and the methods by which you and your friends examined the world around you. STOP IT.
Sexuality and gender are separate. This was not about sex.
I don’t think this should’ve been a topic because like one of the parents said, her son had no prejudice. Kids only ostracize other kids that present outside of gender norms when they see adults do it or they’ve been taught to. For example, if the teacher saw one of the kids bullying another for doing something outside of their expected gender role, that would be the moment to say hey it’s okay for boys to do this and girls to do that.
THANK YOU! someone of intelligence with real life experience and cognitive skills actually GETS IT.
I have noticed that YOU seem to have really heavy issues with trans topics and themes. your scope regarding sexual identity beyond gay men specifically seems to be extremely limited. I dont know if you are even aware of this within your own context of gender examination, but you truly do exhibit supreme disconnects with transgender issues. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG OR IMPEDING for a teacher to read a book written for children that targets the early stages of gender questioning. It is a conversation that most parents will NEVER have with their children; hence the importance that schools take that lead as early as possible in 2017. but yes…I can very specifically see how and why YOU would be upset about your child being presented any material or content regarding trans tolerance, acceptance and identity.
I noticed that too
I don’t see anything wrong here. He expresses his distaste for youth whose main concern isn’t about what’s between their legs are being taight something they shouldn’t even be thinking about until they begin to reach sexual maturity. A 5 year old doesn’t have the cognitive ability to make extreme life choices i.e. Permanently changing their bodies.
you are then obviously NEW here and have not seen the countless articles where the context of his critiques and opinions are always damning when it comes to any individual, situation or circumstance focused on trans identity, a trans person or an overall transgender issue. THAT is one of the many problems we are having here with this particular post dear.
@Nnfamousl – “A 5 year old doesn’t have the cognitive ability to make extreme life choices i.e. Permanently changing their bodies.” You couldn’t be any more WRONG. Children begin recognizing their gender parts at 2, engaging in gender play at 3 and questioning their gender identity, as well as preferred pronouns at 4. At FOUR YEARS OLD, children begin either accepting or rejecting the physical body they are born in. A very popular example of this would be Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s daughter, Shiloh. She began choosing her more male identity when we began seeing her at the age of FOUR. Even now, five years later, she STILL expresses male gender dress, pronouns and overall identity. Children KNOW. Their brains arent as developed as adults, but you people seem to somehow think that gender, race, class & sexuality are only “adult issues”. that simply is not true!