Every day, transgender and nonbinary students like myself grapple with a difficult reality: having to conform to a name or pronouns that do not align with our identity. In the Rockwood School District, the current policy requires parental approval for students to be recognized by their chosen name and pronouns by teachers and faculty. This policy is not only outdated, but actively harms students who are in unsupportive homes.

For me, this has been a daily issue, caused by the fact that my teachers often disregard my pleas and communicate with my unsupportive parents against my wishes. These interactions, while difficult and stressful for me, are potentially dangerous for other students. My friend, D, is one such person, who could face serious repercussions at home simply for living as a girl at school.

It's wild to me that the safety and wellbeing of students would be ignored in my own place of education. While schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments, this policy does exactly the opposite, causing many students to feel unsafe to go to school, to the point of skipping, for fear of being outed to their friends and peers.

Not allowing students to use their chosen names and pronouns without parental consent not only violates our rights to be ourselves at school, but can lead to severe stress and anxiety. The Trevor Project's National Survey reveals that affirming gender identity leads to significantly lower rates of attempted suicide amongst LGBTQ youth.

Our education should not come at the cost of our safety and freedom. Therefore, we urge the Rockwood School District to revise their policy, allowing students to use their chosen names and pronouns, regardless of parental approval. This change will not only protect students, but also foster an inclusive and supportive school environment where everyone is respected.

Join us in calling on the Rockwood School District to adopt this inclusive policy immediately. Sign this petition to support transgender and nonbinary students in their right to exist authentically and safely in their school community.