Parents and students support Linn-Mar gender identity policy

Althea Cole’s recent column continues to focus on sensational hypotheticals and the wrong “small minority of students.” From her comments, one might get the impression that the majority of students and parents in the Linn-Mar School District are opposed to the policy and in danger of having their rights violated. In fact, it is a small minority of parents and students in the school district who are loudly opposing the policy. The vast majority of district parents and students recognize that the equitable treatment of transgender students strengthens the equitable treatment of all students.

Besides this fact, the sensational hypotheticals raised by Cole do not compare to the reality of harassment experienced by transgender students who are simply trying to get a quality public education and live their authentic lives as well. When transgender students use locker rooms and restrooms that conform to their gender identity, they are not seeking to flaunt their sexuality. They simply want to take a shower, change clothes, and use the restroom just like any other student and then get on with their school day.

And as for concerns about using the wrong pronoun, just be courteous and polite when speaking to or about students (or anyone else for that matter). No one wants to be the “pronoun police.” Everyone just wants to be treated with dignity and respect.

Rev. Gary Sneller

Cedar Rapids