‼️DO NOT DONATE TO CHANGE.ORG. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS PETITION IS THAT YOU CALL AND EMAIL THE OHIO DEPT OF EDUCATION WITH THE SCRIPT PROVIDED. WE WANT TO FLOOD THEIR INBOXES WITH MESSAGES.

Use this call script and email template to contact the Ohio Dept of Education urgently requesting their rejection of discrimination against transgender youth. 

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As families and teachers of transgender children in local Ohio communities, we see firsthand how our kids desire and deserve to thrive in an educational environment that is supportive and accepting. They are children, filled with potential, which is hindered by policies that validate false and detrimental information given out by the federal government. We call on you to uplift the rights of trans students in Ohio schools.

We must definitively reject any executive orders or future legislation that aim to strip the rights of students to an inclusive education in a safe and supportive environment.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, transgender children have the same need as their peers for a school environment that is socially, psychologically, and physically inclusive and safe, which supports them in their developmental journey (AAP, 2019). 

This inclusivity has been threatened by proposed policies, spreading an undercurrent of fear and destabilization. A national survey by GLSEN found that 75% of transgender youth feel unsafe at their schools, with intentional exclusion making a significant factor contributing to this unfortunate environment (GLSEN, 2017).

We urge the Ohio Department of Education to do the following: 

1. Maintain policies that protect transgender students' rights to participate fully in school life
2. Ensure that all curriculum materials reflect the diverse experiences of our student population
3. Continue providing educators with the resources they need to create inclusive classrooms
4. Reject any measures that would discriminate against or marginalize transgender students
5. Support evidence-based, age-appropriate education that accurately reflects our diverse society
6. Ensure Ohio teachers won’t be penalized for providing inclusive, and factual curriculum to students, and creating safe and supportive learning environments.

This means a swift rejection of the following: 

• HB 8 “Parents Bill of Rights” 
• SB 104 “Bathroom Bill” 
• January 29, 2025 Executive Order titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” 
• Any future proposed or passed legislation that threatens items 1 through 6 above. 

Our schools should be places of learning, growth, and support for all students. Limiting transgender students' rights or restricting inclusive education not only harms these students directly but also diminishes the educational experience for all students by promoting discrimination and exclusion rather than understanding and respect.

The strength of our educational system lies in its ability to serve all students equitably and prepare them for success in our diverse society. I ask that you stand firm in protecting the rights of transgender students and maintaining inclusive educational environments that benefit all Ohio students.

We urge the acknowledgement of the falsity and harm caused by such initiatives, discrediting their ability to impact our children's right to learn. Let's work together to ensure that every child's potential is recognized and nurtured, irrespective of their gender identity.

Thank you for keeping our kids safe!