Maryland School District Allegedly Promotes Gender Identity Concepts

In Montgomery County, Maryland, there are reports that middle school classes are teaching students about “gender identity,” suggesting that sex is “assigned” at birth. A particular assignment for seventh graders appears to reference materials from transgender advocacy groups.

Students are reportedly asked to match terms like “sex assigned at birth,” “gender identity,” “transgender,” “gender expression,” and “cisgender” with their definitions. One definition indicates a person’s “inner sense” regarding their gender, explaining it could be felt as “a girl, a boy, both, or neither.” Another definition describes how individuals present themselves, covering aspects like appearance and clothing in relation to their gender role.

It seems that one explanation also notes that gender is ‘assigned’ by a medical professional at birth, while gender identity reflects personal feelings. Four definitions cited are drawn from the Human Rights Campaign, which promotes transgender surgery and hormone treatments for children.

For context, the lesson appears to be linked to **welcomeschool.org**, described as a prominent anti-bullying program in the United States. The program promotes professional development and resources aimed at creating “LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive” schools.

Erika Sange, a representative from Defending Education, expressed concerns about the assignment, suggesting it requires students to adopt a perspective many might find objectionable. She questioned whether Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is mandating adherence to a specific ideology under the guise of educational standards, implying this could lead to viewpoint discrimination.

At the same time, MCPS has rolled out stricter disciplinary measures, such as suspension or expulsion for drug-related incidents, raising concerns from local activists about the disproportionate impact on marginalized students. Dorien Rogers from Young People for Progress voiced that these policies might remove students from learning environments, adversely affecting their education.

Additionally, Rogers noted disappointment that the new code of conduct was initially only available in English, although the district has since indicated that translations into six languages are forthcoming.

As of now, MCPS has not responded to inquiries regarding these matters.