A woke school district in Wisconsin has instructed its faculty not to reveal students’ gender identities should students reveal it to their teachers during class.
The absurd instructions were explained to the educators and incorporated into the Eau Claire School District’s staff development training.
Staff were specifically told that if a student told a staff member they were gay or transgender, they should not disclose that information to the child’s parents.
“Remember that parents are not entitled to know the identity of their children. This knowledge must be acquired,” says one slide of the training presentation.
Chief Executive Michael Johnson (pictured) says the policy is to make sure students feel safe, especially when they are “unable to be themselves” at home.
Teachers in the Eau Claire school district in Wisconsin were instructed not to reveal a student’s sexual orientation and gender identity to parents if they confided in them
Staff at the Eau Claire school district in Wisconsin were told: “Remember, parents are not authorized to know the identity of their children. You have to earn this knowledge.’
But there are far from politics that are uncomfortable with teachers and potential board members alike.
‘You’re asking her not to tell her parents. They require teachers to keep secrets,” Eau Claire School Board nominee Nicole Everson told WQOW.
Everson joined fellow board nominees Corey Cronrath and Melissa Winter and explained that the policy showed a “blatant disregard for the rights and responsibilities of parents.”
“They ask teachers not to talk to parents about issues affecting their child,” Everson said. “I am responsible for my child until they move out or are 18 years old. And so I have the sole decision about what happens to my child.
“Speaking to community members, including staff, including students, many people are concerned. Our city is not heard. The people of our district are not being heard,” Everson added.
“They ask teachers not to talk to parents about issues affecting their child,” Nicole Everson said. “I am responsible for my child until they move out or are 18 years old. And so I have the sole decision about what happens to my child.”
But Tim Nordin, president of the Eau Claire School Board, says the statement was taken entirely out of context and is primarily focused on student safety.
“This was an educational session that focused on LGBTQ students and the extremely high rates of mental health problems, attempted suicide and depression,” Nordin explained.
He further noted that LGBT students can sometimes confide in their teachers when they feel they cannot be themselves with their families and that the policy is designed to allow students to trust their teachers that anything whatever is discussed is confidential.
“It is the responsibility of parents to help their students become the best person they can be, to live their true selves, but if these students don’t feel safe at home, then where should they go?” asked northin
Tim Nordin, President of the Eau Claire School Board, says the statement was taken completely out of context and is primarily focused on student safety.
“I’m not ready to tell you that you are not safe at our school. And that’s what this is about. It’s not about parents versus teachers. It’s about making sure that students are safe in our schools and that every student has a safe place to go.
Everson believes there is a lack of transparency about what is being taught and what is expected of our teachers, and says she is not alone in her concerns.
Eau Claire School District Superintendent Michael Johnson said the district has a responsibility to foster a school environment that is equitable, safe and suitable for all students.
Eau Claire School District Superintendent Michael Johnson, pictured, said the district has a responsibility to promote a school environment that is equitable, safe and suitable for all students.
Johnson said he is proud to lead a school district where students feel welcome and safe at school.
“As part of our ongoing work to support our students, our staff received training focused on creating safe spaces at school for all students,” Eau Claire Superintendent Michael Johnson said in a statement.
“Data shows that students who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community are more likely to experience mental health issues and feel more isolated…87% of LGBTQIA+ students report mental health issues and only 44% have a sense of belonging compared to 46% and 68% for hetero-cisgender students.
“Our employees are often in positions of trust with our students. The staff development presentation shared extensive data and information to support our staff in our ongoing efforts to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. ECASD is proud to be a school district that makes all students feel welcome and safe in our schools.”