Despite a recently enacted state law explicitly prohibiting the practice, a school district in Fargo, North Dakota, has made the controversial decision to conceal students’ gender identities from parents. The move has sparked intense debates and drawn criticism from concerned parents.
Superintendent Dr. Rupak Gandhi, supported by the school board, passionately defended the decision, emphasizing the paramount importance of safeguarding the well-being of every student. “We will not openly out any student because of one law if we know that that’s going to cause harm to that child,” asserted Dr. Gandhi.
A North Dakota school district is sparking outrage through its noncompliance with a newly signed bill prohibiting teachers from withholding a student's gender identity from their parents.https://t.co/Bz2pfLF92f
— CBS Austin (@cbsaustin) May 24, 2023
Their stance directly challenges the legislation signed by Republican Gov. Doug Burgum in May, which explicitly prohibits schools from withholding or concealing information about a student’s transgender status from their parent or legal guardian. At a recent school board meeting, outraged parents voiced their concerns over the district’s choice.
One father expressed his perspective, stating, “The way I see it, the way I heard it is that you want to protect kids from their parents. Instead of encouraging everyone to talk more, you are suppressing talk.” Echoing this sentiment, another parent accused the school board of encroaching upon parental authority.
“I really urge you all to pay attention to what we’re setting as a precedent,” pleaded the concerned mother. “Whose kids are these? Do they belong to you as a school board? Do they belong to Fargo Public Schools? Or is each child’s parent ultimately the decision-maker in their family over what is allowed and what is safe for that child?”
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Supporters of the decision argue that revealing a student’s gender identity to their parents could potentially lead to dangerous confrontations and an increased risk of committing suicide. This is based on a biased study conducted by an LGBTQ advocacy group.
Regardless, the 14th Amendment guarantees parents the right to oversee their child’s care, education, and control — an assurance affirmed by Supreme Court cases Meyer v. Nebraska (1923) and, more recently, Troxel v. Granville (2000).
As the debate rages on, the Fargo school district claims to remain steadfast in its commitment to prioritize the safety and protection of its students, even if it means breaking the law and deceiving parents in the process.
