I cannot support or agree with the proposed guidelines regarding transgender students for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, as a strong and committed Christian, I hold firmly to the Word of God that He created male and female, and that the gender at birth is His intended plan for that individual. I have compassion for anyone who may express confusion regarding their “feelings” about their gender. This is not unusual for young children, who are growing and developing mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Unfortunately, through media and school education curricula children are exposed to subtle or not so subtle suggestions that promote further confusion.

Secondly, exposure in school bathrooms and locker rooms and showers constitutes invasion of privacy for those who do not share the “feelings” of the gender confused person and can promote voyeurism, and with older students, situations of assault.

Thirdly, the confusion over pronouns with potential for punishment/prosecution is particularly confusing for young children. Since the transgender students may choose to switch back and forth, or continue to change their preferred pronouns, this enables them to manipulate others, and is exceedingly unfair to those others. 

The confusion that would be caused by these suggested guidelines for the children, teachers, administrators, parents and community could lead to irreparable social, mental, emotional and spiritual damage. It  is for these reasons that I object to and cannot support these guidelines. Six of my eight grandchildren and my great grandson would be affected, and I therefore object to making the many students make such extreme changes and mandatory adjustments for the few who may demand those changes and adjustments.

I ask that you remove this proposal and reconsider for the sake of the majority of students, school personnel, families and the community at large.