Experience with lobbying for school policy change in Seattle schools

[Anonymous]

Hi, my 5yo trans daughter is currently enrolled in the Primary program of a small private Montessori school in the Fremont area of Seattle. She had an experience with another child this year who said she was just pretending to be a girl, but was really a boy. My daughter asserted her identity, told the teacher, came home and told us (her parents). So, I am very proud of her in how she responded. My concern lays in how her teacher then responded when I spoke with her, which was “I didn’t know how far to take it with the other child because I didn’t know her family’s beliefs.” It is not a belief issue; it is a human right issue. I believe the teacher truly wants to be an ally, but doesn’t have the support of the school administration. When I took my concerns to the school administration that policy needs to be developed overtly stating the school’s position on bias and discrimination, I was not met with a lot of buy in. Unfortunately, it feels like the administration wants to hang out in the category of “We believe we’re a progressive school, but we won’t acknowledge difference,” which is a problem.

I’m curious to hear of other parents who have lobbied for policy change in Seattle schools, both public and private, and what their experiences have been. Are there some schools that feel more friendly for gender diverse children? All questions in my head as we think about my daughter starting in 1st grade next year and consider where to enroll her.

Thanks

[Author]

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