We, the undersigned, request that the Frederick County Public Schools update policy 443 that addresses students with gender-related distress to…

• Better address the needs of all students
• Acknowledge parental rights
• Recognize the worldwide scientific debate about minor gender transitions

We support the following changes:

We believe that all children, especially those with concerns about their biological sex, deserve empathy and compassion, including compassionate and scientifically-based medical and psychological care.  We believe all children deserve educational environments free from bullying and harassment.  

We believe schools should acknowledge that parents and medical and psychological professionals have different views on the best course of treatment for students with gender related distress, and should recognize the right of parents on both sides of this issue to make medical and psychological decisions for their own children.  

We believe that girls deserve fair and safe sports, and that all students deserve privacy in bathrooms, changing areas, and overnight stays.  We ask that FCPS recognize that the body of scientific research has grown since it first passed policy 443 eight years ago, and request that this policy be brought in line to reflect the current scientific findings and debate.

Links:

• Teaching based on policy 443
• Cass Report
• U.S. Government Review
• Sweden's review
• Norway's review (use Google translate to read)