There Is Just No Reason For This.

New Jersey and federal laws are very definitive, you cannot discrimination against trans-gender students, you wonder if the school officials have their heads in the sand.

Transgender teen told she can't come to school as girl
By Carol Gorga Williams
Asbury Park (N.J.) Press (In USA Today)
August 16, 2014

Her mother says an official at Thorne Middle School told her Rachel must come back school dressed as Brian and prepared to act like Brian. No accommodations would be made and no out-of-district educational options would be available.

The decision by the Thorne official is a violation of state and federal anti-discrimination laws, experts argue. Now, Middletown's school superintendent says his district will work with Rachel's family to reach a resolution.

I cannot figure out why they have refused to follow the law and expose the school district to law suits. Wherever schools have refused to allow trans-students they lost, the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice have stepped in an order the school to integrate trans-students into the student body. In states like New Jersey that have gender identity inclusive non-discrimination laws the courts have told the school districts to stop discrimination.

Rachel remained deeply isolated from the rest of the student body but still, her mother said, the children would bully her because she was so quiet.

There are also state and federal laws that require schools to provide a safe space for learning. Connecticut modeled our anti-bullying law after New Jersey school bullying law and the schools are required to be pro-active to stop bullying, which it appears that the Thorne Middle School has not done to stop the bullying.

Maybe the underlining issue is the school’s superintendent who said,

Middletown Schools Superintendent William O. George addressed the case in general terms.

"We as a district want to do everything we can as a district," George said. "Every child is different and their education and social and emotional well being is my priority. We will work with them to find the appropriate placement."

"I support this without interviewing this child. It certainly is reasonable. Children with psycho-sexual issues often benefit from a fresh start at a new school," he said.

So the superintendent is biased with an attitude against trans-students and wants to push her out of his district.