A recent report from the watchdog group Defending Education has raised concerns about the San Diego Unified School District’s “Equity and Belonging” website. The group criticized the site’s resources, which include forms for students to change their names and gender identities.
The school’s site emphasizes that students have the right to privacy when it comes to their transgender identities and that they can choose when and how to share this information. Interestingly, the name and gender change forms require students to provide their legal name and gender, along with options on how their new identities will be recognized—either just by teachers or in more official documents like report cards.
The website also hosts a slideshow featuring 28 sexual orientations and 9 gender identities. This includes terms like transgender, nonbinary, and demiboy among others. For instance, a demigirl is described as someone who partially identifies as female. These definitions suggest a complex understanding of gender that may not be universally accepted.
There’s a section aimed at helping parents navigate conversations about topics that might contradict their religious beliefs regarding sexual orientations. A document titled “Responding to Resistance (LGBT+ Guide)” advises educators on how to create an inclusive environment, stating that their duty is not to change anyone’s beliefs but to promote acceptance among students.
When asked about what happens if a teacher refuses to use a student’s preferred name or pronouns, the guide indicated that such actions could lead to disciplinary measures for the educator. It’s also noted that the San Diego Unified School District is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in education for all individuals.
A representative from Defending Education commented that the “Equity and Belonging” hub appears to prioritize political agendas over academic responsibilities, suggesting that families are being viewed as potential obstacles rather than partners in education. This raises questions about the balance schools should strike between inclusivity and adhering to broader federal guidelines.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the San Diego Unified School District but has yet to receive a response.
