Letters to the Editor
The Dallas Morning News
To the Editor:
Re: “Transgender battle — Patrick draws boos, again calls for superintendent’s ouster,” Thursday news story.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s rhetoric was filled with untruths as he advocated against the Fort Worth ISD policy, which allows transgender students to use restrooms in accordance with their gender identity. Patrick’s assertion about student safety is fictional. There simply is no record in Texas or the U.S. of gender-identity protections being used to harm others in restrooms. What is not fictional is the psychological harm that transgender students experience in schools on a regular basis.
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network’s “Harsh Realities: The Experiences of Transgender Youth in Our Nation’s Schools” reports:
1. Ninety percent of transgender students heard derogatory remarks sometimes, often or frequently in school.
2. Fifty-five percent of transgender students have been physically harassed (pushed or shoved) in school.
3. Almost half of all transgender students have skipped a class or a day of school in the past month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable.
In addition to causing psychological harm and impeding academic achievement, such anti-transgender policies are unlawful. All students deserve welcoming and inclusive learning environments regardless of their immutable characteristics or background.
Sincerely,
Roberta S. Clark
Dallas Regional Director