CHS introduces new name policy

Simone Savage, Staff Writer

   Governor Bill Lee signed a bill that requires schools to inform parents if their children ask to use a name or pronouns different from their school forms. Some say that the law puts transgender youth at risk of danger and rejection, while others say that parents have a right to know if their children ask to go by other names or pronouns at school.

   “I think, for us, it’s just about being transparent,” said DuPont Hadley Middle School Principal Kevin Armstrong. “But we’re … not just going to pick up the phone, tell the parent, hang up.” 

   The school should schedule some time to speak individually with the parent, then with the parent and student. Armstrong said that, ultimately, the school will back the family’s decision, whether that means using a student’s chosen name and/or pronouns or not.

   “I can understand the point of the new rule, but it could put people in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation,” said Junior Andrew Sharp.