Seeing Queerly- RI Laws and Policies & Woke Read Aloud: They, She, He
Woke Read Aloud on Youtube by Woke Kindergarten
Three Talking Points:
1. "Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program that receives federal funding within the Civil Rights Act." (RI Laws and Policies, page 2)
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This same guidance says we must, "treat students consistent with their gender identity even if their school record or identification documents indicate a different sex" (RI Laws and Policies, page 2)
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"School staff members should abide by the student's/parent's wishes concerning how a student would like to be addressed. This would include complying with school policies, as well as state and federal anti-discrimination, harassment and bullying laws and regulations designed to ensure that all students are treated with dignity and respect regardless of any individual's strongly held belief to the contrary" (RI Laws and Policies, page 7)
I feel that all of these quotes are crucial for all public educators to know and follow. This law states that we must treat all of our students with respect and provide them with a fair education regardless of gender. I have heard many teachers blatantly say that they "will not call the student another name". To me this seems close-minded, hurtful and discriminatory. I am happy to know that there is law stating this is unacceptable and I will cite this when I next encounter that statement.
2. In relation to the quotes from talking point 1, "Under no circumstances may students be required to use sex-segregated facilities that are inconsistent with their gender identity. Some students may feel uncomfortable with a transgender students using the same sex-segregated restroom, locker room or changing facility. This discomfort is not a reason to deny access to the transgender student" (RI Laws and Policies, page 9)
I am excited to this this quote in our RI laws and policies! One comment I have heard people make in argument of allowing transgender people to use their rightful restroom is that "others will be uncomfortable." I think we need to address society and the others rather than punishing/discriminating against transgender people. People should not have to worry about where they relieve themselves! We need to create safe places for all genders, all sexualities, and all humans to be able to be HUMANS.
3. From the Woke Read Aloud: They, She, He Easy as ABC, "Just because people dress or look a certain way on the outside, that doesn't necessarily mean that they feel that way on the inside"(10:40)
This video was easy to understand and used the book to guide the conversation. I especially appreciated Key's humility when they mispronounced Quetzal's name. I feel this video could be used to teach adults about pronouns, as many adults are not understanding/knowledgable on the topic. I think is is SO important to respect people and one way to do this is pronouncing their names correctly and using the correct pronouns. Although we may make mistakes from time to time, if you apologize when you do and keep practicing we can start to make everyone feel valued and seen/heard in terms of gender identity.
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