Keller ISD adopts new policy on student pronouns
KELLER, Texas - The Keller Independent School District approved controversial policy changes regarding how students identify. That was despite student and parent arguments that the new policies put LBGTQ+ students in harm's way.
With the changes, Keller ISD will now require teachers to use pronouns consistent with a student’s gender on their birth certificate.
Parents will also be notified if a student wants to use a name or pronoun not assigned at birth.
And parents must provide written notice if a student can be called by a different name or pronoun.
Several students and parents spoke out against the policies during public comment.
Keller ISD reverses decision, allows 'The Laramie Project' school play to go on
After a heated Keller ISD board meeting last week, theater students at Timber Creek HS didn’t hear anything from the district, so they assumed they may have lost this battle. Then, a surprise email came this week.
"Every day I walk into a school and myself and my peers are suffering. It seems like more and more the school district is prioritizing budget cuts and a political agenda over the health of its students," said Kennedy Schultz, a Keller ISD senior.
"You’ve created an environment where fear and isolation might just become the norm for our most vulnerable students. I hope this brings you the kind of community you're striving for, one where conformity is valued over compassion. Hate is not a Keller ISD value," added Madison Hickman, another senior.
Keller ISD approves new policies affecting LGBTQ+ students
The Keller Independent School District passed two new policies that will affect how its LGBTQ+ students use restrooms and locker rooms. It also affects how they’re addressed by teachers.
The ACLU sent a letter of concern to the district, calling the policies unlawful and discriminatory. It warned trustees not to pass them.
However, the board went on to pass the policies unanimously.