Transgender Policy

Abstract

Ritha Smith, assistant superintendent, and Seth Hanson, principal, are faced with a difficult decision. Taylor Harper is a transgender student who identifies as male and is openly attracted to females. Taylor’s parents, Lane and Morgan Harper, are lesbians; they are fully supportive of their child’s identification and are well versed in their legal rights. Madison Booth is in Physical Education [PE] class and shares a locker room with Taylor. She and her parents question her safety and security in the locker room. Ritha and Seth must consider the policy and rights for transgender, homosexual, and heterosexual students. The decision will have implications for students and policies in the schools as well as the community values with parents, board members, and constituents in the surrounding areas. This case poses discussions, questions, and activities about ethical and moral standings, policies, critical theory and queer theory, and legal frameworks. The case also presents ways to use literature and media to further enlighten the discussion.