Tennessee state legislature passes new law suppressing trans youths

TJ Wiggins, staff writer

   As of May 1, 2024, a new law signed by Governor Bill Lee went into effect across the state of Tennessee targeting transgender youth. This law requires teachers and administrators to request parental consent to affirm a student’s gender identity. It was implemented on the basis that parents “have the right to know” if their child chooses to identify under an alternate name or pronouns that make them feel more comfortable. However, this risks students being forcibly outed to their parents before they are ready. Teachers across the state face abiding by the law or losing their jobs. 

   Many find the law to be negative to the school environment.

   “When we tell people what to think…when we ban books and take away people being exposed to different people and different situations we hinder them…a name is just a name,” said CHS teacher Nancy Landis. 

   This law affects students more than anyone. 

  “I think it’s very important for school… to be a safe place for students. Unfortunately, many transgender or genderqueer kids may be outed to their families. This can potentially be dangerous to those who have unaccepting families as well,” said sophomore Max Brown “Students who are affected by the law will probably have worsened moods and will overall be more depressed if they are not out to their families and no longer have a support system at school.”

   However, some argue that it is more important that parents know what is going on in the lives of their children. 

   “If your name is how you want people to see you, there isn’t really a problem with that… Lots of people have nicknames, but to legally change your first name goes against the norms of society, and I think most parents need to know that,” said Coach Chaffin, another CHS teacher.

     The passing and enforcement of this law leads to the question of what is next for our students. If further laws are put in place, the only choice for the students affected is to stand up for what they believe in. 

   “This is not a direct correlation, but during the civil rights movement, it was children and teenagers who walked out of school, who boycotted, who did all kinds of things for equality… It was younger people who fought for those things… Until people decide they want to stand up for equality or humanity, things will not change,” said Landis.