Last week, Katy ISD proposed a comprehensive anti-trans policy that would undoubtedly harm students. The final vote is Monday.
If the policy passes, educators would be required to inform families if their students come out as transgender or seek support for their gender identity.
It would ban GSA clubs and leave students without affirming spaces, curriculum, or even books in their school libraries.
Bathroom and sports bans would be enforced for transgender students, and teachers would be allowed to deadname and misgender their students.
In today's Houston Chronicle, Tompkins HS sophomore Grace Ding writes:
The board has made a concerted effort to independently target ideas and expressions that do not align with their conservative values — and they’re spending taxpayer money to do so.
Perhaps the board is oblivious, locking in the cruel fate of these marginalized students by assuming that they have safe spaces at home. Or perhaps the board is aware of these devastating outcomes — and doesn’t care.
Read more from her and other students on Instagram @studentsengagedtx.
Katy ISD alumni and parents – Cameron, Logan, and Anne – addressed the board last week on the policy's harmful impact on students. Their speeches were so powerful that trustee Dawn Champagne felt compelled to speak against the policy during the board's debate.
It's not only her that's upset. Other trustees, district administration, and former board members are appalled by the extreme turn that four board members have taken for the district after they were elected on political platforms to ban books.
It's time we say it loud and clear: Katy ISD is a community celebrated for its diversity and should leave a legacy of compassion.
The final vote is on the agenda for Monday's board meeting at the Merrell Center at 5pm. We need to stand up to this policy!
Please join us as we pack the board room and speak to the board.
You can sign up to speak on Agenda Item 7.13 by 2pm the day of the meeting with the instructions at https://www.katyisd.org/Page/8011