On April 23, 2022 Milwaukee Public Schools counselor Marissa Darlingh attended an anti-trans rally in Wisconsin where she introduced herself by name and occupation to the crowd. Some of the comments she made included, "Not a single one of my students, under my (expletive) watch will ever, ever transition socially and sure as hell not medically" she said. "Absolutely not." She then concluded her statements by saying, "(Expletive) transgenderism. (Expletive) it." 

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is investigating whether there are grounds to revoke her educator license. There is probable cause to revoke her license based on "immoral conduct." Under state statute immoral conduct is defined as endangering the health, safety, and welfare or education of any pupil." 

Marissa's comments about not allowing students to transition socially creates a school environment the endangers the safety and welfare of students who are transgender and gender non-conforming.  School counselors represent a point of contact for students who want to discuss their gender identity and they should feel safe and supported when doing that. 

We need to ensure transgender and gender non-conforming students in Wisconsin have school environments where they feel safe, supported, and welcomed.