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Last week the Westford School committee voted unanimously to implement a controversial Transgender Policy for the Westford School System. The controversial aspects of the plan included: sharing bathroom and locker room facilities between “conforming” and “nonconforming” gender students; whether school officials are obligated to inform parents about a child’s gender status; and establishing a process that would be used for designating such status. Many of the parents attending the open school committee meeting had heightened concerns over these issues.
Despite the assurances of the school superintendent and the committee that the policy would be implemented fairly, and with sensitivity to all, the very nature of what was being proposed represented a radical departure from longstanding customs related to gender propriety. It also involved parental rights and security concerns as well. It was understandable, that there would be anxiety on the part of many parents. Yet, some town officials in attendance, took a very condescending approach, admonishing some parents to”educate themselves.” This served to raise tensions.
The issue of” fluidity” was raised, which is the concern that some students would try to exploit the policy by repeatedly switching their gender identity to deliberately create chaos and confusion. Superintendent Everett V. Olsen was very explicit in his assurance to parents, as were some members of the school committee. Such behavior was not transgender and would be subject to the disciplinary process. However, on other matters, such as parental involvement in a student’s transgender decision, and the process used to designate a transition in gender identity, both the policy, and school officials remained vague.
It would seem prudent for this discussion to continue, so that both parents, students, the School Committee, and school officials can continue their collective education into this new and controversial social policy venture. The committee that drafted this policy should not dissolve, but should remain in place to serve as the monitoring committee for implementation. As such, they should meet at regular intervals so that parents, students or teachers can bring forth issues with the policy and recommend adjustments based on operating experience. This matter is too sensitive to allow a one-off discussion. Communications must continue.
–DENNIS GALVIN, Westford, Mass.
