The Ohio Board of Education resolution defines gender as something that is born male or female, not something that can be assigned or changed.
TOLEDO, Ohio — The Ohio Board of Education is considering changes that some say will lead to discrimination in schools, and now a growing number of people are opposing a proposal from Ohio Board of Education which defines gender as being born male or female, not something that can be assigned or changed.
“It’s very biased, it’s very harmful,” Toledo Public Schools Board member Sheena Barnes said.
Some TPS board members also called the proposal “anti-child,” arguing that it does nothing to help children in school and may even harm them; not just in the classroom, but mentally, socially and emotionally.
Equality Toledo leaders also said the LGBTQ community is not defined.
“Basically, he claims to protect the well-being of families, but he doesn’t care about the well-being of our young LGBT families. The bill is really putting teeth into removing federal funding when schools allow, for example, non-binary bathrooms,” said Joseph Wood of Equality Toledo.
Equality Toledo also said the OBE proposal directly opposes the federal government’s new changes to Title IX, which protect members of the LGBTQ community from discrimination.
“It’s almost terror or a spiritual way to use something like that against a student,” Barnes said. “After all, it’s a baby.”
During Tuesday’s TPS board meeting, board member Christine Warwig questioned how many times state education leaders are going to make proposals that districts will oppose.
Equality Toledo officials said if the TPS board does not oppose the state bill, it could harm children.
“Kids are kids, and they’re going to say something to their teachers and guidance counselors,” Wood said. “This ordinance obligates the board and the teacher to release the child to the parents.”
TPS board members said that by opposing the resolution, they are standing up for and supporting families in their district.
“It’s very important. It’s part of social and emotional learning, and we want to make sure they’re fully themselves,” Barnes said. “And that can be in many aspects, whether it’s race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. We want our children to know that we love them, see them and support them for who they are.”
Other large school districts in the state, such as Columbus Public Schools, oppose the proposal. But there’s no official word on when or if TPS will do anything like that.
TPS board members said they would have to talk with their committees and the superintendent before moving forward.
https://www.wtol.com/article/news/local/ohio-board-of-education-gender-resolution-toledo-public-schools/512-0f9bb16b-e0d8-43ad-97b9-157753976834
