An entire school distracted by one mentally ill student.
...and reporter, stop saying SHE! He is not a girl.
It happened to a company I once worked for several years ago. The entire site had to adjust to one sick perverted individual. He was so disruptive, they laid off the entire team so as to not look like they targeted him.
Of course, the fifth-column St. Louis Past-Dispatched leftist propagandist should be called a "reporter" either.
Don't blame the reporter or the St. Louis Post Dispatch; blame the Associated Press. This is a lot bigger than one newspaper or one reporter. Or, at least, don't put the blame primarily on the local people.
http://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender
“The Associated Press Stylebook provides guidelines for journalists reporting on transgender people and issues.
According to the AP Stylebook, reporters should ‘use the pronoun preferred by the individuals who have acquired the physical characteristics of the opposite sex or present themselves in a way that does not correspond with their sex at birth. If that preference is not expressed, use the pronoun consistent with the way the individuals live publicly.’ (see AP & New York Times Style)”
Here's the proposed policy on transgender students, drafted by the Missouri Consultants on Education. You want this in your local schools?
“The Board of Education believes that all students are entitled to a quality education in a safe environment. This belief extends to the growing number of transgender students, that is, students who self-identify with a gender that is different from their biological sex.
“The Board seeks to balance the privacy needs of all students with the preferences of transgender students and their parents/guardians. This policy sets forth the practices that are in place for the welfare of all of our students. This policy does not anticipate every situation that might occur with respect to transgender students, and the needs of each transgender student must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
“Student Identity
“Transgender students are permitted to select a first name and pronoun that more closely matches their gender identity. This chosen name shall be used by the District staff to communicate verbally and electronically other than in official school records. Changes of name shall not be permitted to exceed one name change per school year.
“Official school records shall continue to list the birth name and biological sex of the student. The student or their parents/guardians may obtain a name change through the court system. In such case, the District will amend its official school records to comply with the court order.
“Restrooms
“The district, when requested, will designate a gender-neutral restroom(s) in each building with the appropriate signage.
“All students, regardless of their gender identity will have the option of using the gender neutral restroom, or the restroom designated for their biological sex.
“Locker Rooms/Showering Facilities
“Elementary students are not required to change into PE uniforms and, hence, do not require showering.
“In District secondary schools, students who elect to participate in physical education classes that require access to locker rooms or showering facilities will be expected to use those facilities designated for their biological gender. However, upon request of a transgender student and/or their parents, alternatives will be considered. In consultation with the student and parents, the alternative will include, but not be limited to, on-line PE courses, independent study; scheduling adjustments to include early access to change and showering facilities; separate enclosed change and shower room within the locker room. Each such request would be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, if consensus cannot be reached with the student/parents, the District will select an option that is in the best interest of all students.
“Apparel
“Transgender students are permitted to dress in the same manner as the gender with which they identify. However, all students are required to dress consistently with the school's dress code.
“Extra-Curricular/School Activities
“Similarly, all students are permitted to wear apparel associated with their gender or gender identity. On occasion, student activity groups schedule overnight trips. Students will be assigned rooms, with sponsor approval, mutually agreed upon by student roommates. The District is a member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). As such, the District is required to adhere to MSHSAA regulations regarding athletic participation by transgender students.”