When policy 443 was implemented six years ago, its purpose was positioned as a policy “to prevent discrimination, stigmatization, harassment, and bullying of students that are transgender or non-binary in schools.” No one should disagree with that goal. But had the BOE gone to the public in a fully transparent and complete manner and asked parents and the community the following, what would the reaction have been?

1. Are you in support of withholding a child’s gender choices and transgender identity from parents if the child doesn’t want them to know?
2. Are you in favor of allowing interscholastic sports participation by chosen gender identity and not biological sex?
3. Are you in favor of allowing a biological male to use a girl’s bathroom and locker room if they self-identify as a girl?

In 2017 the community wasn’t as involved and aware as it is now on this topic, but based on the current heightened level of awareness and transparency, the public reaction would have likely been a rejection of 443 as written. This wouldn’t have been because the community is trans-phobic; it would have been because the policy provisions are interfering with a parent’s control of their child’s development, creating an unfair and illogical situation in women’s sports, and lacks in consideration for the anxiety and impact on students who are not transgender or gender non-conforming.

It’s possible that the public may have pointed out that anti-bullying policies already existed and could have been expanded to include this group. It’s possible the public would have asked why parents shouldn’t be told of their child’s choices or asked why it’s necessary to eliminate the separation of interscholastic sports teams by biological sex. And it’s also possible that parents would have pointed out that a well-run institution could create a welcoming environment without the added provisions like the three above.

The advocates that pushed for this policy did not do this with full public transparency, and now that it exists don’t like the opposition to some of its provisions.