Transgender response Novemeber 19th

Senario 1) Robert

a) I found that the teacher did follow the correct methods for addressing the situation of Robert. Robert's dressing like a woman can lead to harrassment and segregation from the other students. Having him sent to the office to change his clothes, could be a way to lessen the amount of harrassment that he might recieve. The teacher could have also sent him to the office because he/she is worried for Robert. Perhaps there are problems at home or with Robert himself. Getting to the route of his 'strange' dress could possibly give the principal and the teacher some insight as to what is happening with him. Finally, sending him to the office could get rid of the distractions that can arise due to this dress. Seeing a male dressed in female clothes not only will cause ridicule and harrassment but it also makes for highly distractive influence, both for the students and the teacher.

b) When first meeting Robert in this attire, the principal could calmly ask him if there is anything he wishes to share with him. The principal is the authority, but he/she are there to help the students, no matter what their dress might look like. Secondly, he could ask if there is anything going on at home, and if so, is there any way he can help. Constant support shows Robert and anyone else that he is not being ridiculed and he can open up without fear. Finally, he could simply ask Robert what caused him to dress this way. If Robert is not giving any information helpful to the principle, then a straight answer question could be given.

c) Yes, I feel that Robert's guardians should be called. If it is a prank, then they should be aware of what sort of attitude their child has and if he does have a gender issue, then it is important that the parents/guardians are informed. If something is troubling Robert, but is a personal matter or involves questioning the parents, such as abuse or neglect, then no, the parents should not be contacted, but the proper authorities should. However, if it is simply a gender issue or a sexual issue, then the parents should be informed as to how their child is behaving and what the child is feeling. Approaching this in a calm and gentle approach is also necessary. It is not ideal to simply tell the parents, but rather ease them into the situation. Asking them questions about his behaviour at home might also help give everyone more insight as to Robert's 'problem'.

d) Referals and outside help are always good ideas when being introduced to a topic of such controversy. Social support might be a good idea. Group meetings with other transgendered students or students with similar issues might give Robert social support and confidence that he is not a freak and will not be harrassed in this environment. Support for parents as well, as this might hit an awkward spot with Robert's parents. Give them support groups, social meetings, or even family meetings for all of them to address this. Also, if Robert still finds himself to be a freak, perhaps even a psychologist who would help Robert get into his own mind and help him adjust to this, if it cannot be routed to some other, hidden, deeper problem.

e) After meeting with the parents and Robert, the teacher should be informed as to any problems that have been address and any solutions that have been offered. If there are transgendered students in the classroom, the teacher should be aware of this, just as she should for any abused, culturally different, or disabled students. They should all be made aware of and accepted. No, the principal should not discipline the teacher. He should talk with him/her to understand why he was brought to the principle's office in the first place and then, if for selfish or discriminating reasons, then should be talked to and explained the situation, but not punished, for the teacher had done nothing wrong.

f) That depends on the seriousness of the situation. Had anything like this been happening before? Is Robert teased and harrassed? Perhaps the students should be made aware of what kind of situation Robert is facing, but not be identified. Also, the students should be informed only if Robert and/or his parents agree that this should be made public. If the parents/Robert wish for this to be kept a secret, then there is no reason or place for the teachers or principal to inform the students.

Senario 3: Cameron

a) The request of having a gender neutral bathroom is not an unreasonable one. It is in the job of the principal to make his/her school an accepting and comfortable place for all his students. Cameron's request is genuine and his reasoning behind it is not impossible to understand. The principal could explain to Cameron that he understands his request and that he is concerned for his wellbeing in the school but also tell him that it is a big financial investment. However, he should also mention that due to Cameron's logical and reasonable request, that he shall make a plea with the school board. It is not the principal's decision, but theirs. Cameron must understand that.

b) Offering support to Cameron is one of the best ways that the teachers can accept him for who he is. It does not matter that he is transgendered, he is their student, and they must not treat him differently. Informing him of the resources at hand as well as support groups that he might go to are other ways that they can help him with his situation at school. Also, preventing any harrassment that might occur due to that situation.

c) Cameron is their student and like anyone with a different culture, religion, or a disability, Cameron should not be signaled out or made an example of. It is in the responcibilities of the teachers that he is accepted as a student and as a learner, not ridiculed or harrassed or singled out as being transgendered. Always be understanding and supportive.

d) It is important that, with any difference with students, that the principals and the teachers become aware and informed to those differences. Seminars, meetings, workshops are all ways that the teachers could become informed about transgendered students and learn ways to help them and address their needs, just as they would for any other student.

e) A group assembly with guest speakers could be one way to get the whole school involved. It would enable students to recieve information on the subject, without singling out Cameron. Also, the councelor could go to individual classes and give a lecture, pamflets, and general information about transgendered students. Making it part of sexual education could be another way that the principal could inform their students. They are learning about sex, genders and safety, might as well have them learn about trangendered or non conforming students as well.

f) Meeting with the staff, the councelors and also the school board about an issue that has occurred in the schools are ways to make the issue come to the surface. It is the job of the principal to make sure that facilities and resources are available to every student, not just the healthy or the 'normal' student. We have made changes for the disabled, why not for the gender confused, non conforming or transgendered students as well. They are there to learn, not to be segregated and harrassed. It is the roles of the teachers and the principal to insure that this happens, therefore, making changes to accommodate for that is a necessity.