Given that the Trump administration is withholding educational funds from California, partly over the issue of boys in girls sports, what is your stance on gender ideology in local schools? Do you think its appropriate to teach children they can change biological sex?

— Marie Storey

Response

Michael Davies-Hughes

Marie,

Thank you for the question. I understand this issue has become part of a national political debate, but my job is to keep the focus on students, schools, and the law.

The term “gender ideology” isn’t one we use in education. It tends to politicize students rather than describe what is actually happening in schools.

Our local schools are not teaching children that they can “change biological sex.” We teach science in science classes, health education in age-appropriate ways, and, most importantly, that our schools are filled with students and families from all walks of life. Every student deserves to be safe, respected, and able to learn.

California law requires schools to provide inclusive instruction, including teaching about the contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans and other historically underrepresented groups. California law also prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.

So my stance is pretty straightforward: follow the law, teach accurate content, respect families, protect students, and keep national political fights from getting in the way of the work our schools are here to do.

 

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