Your Papers Please

While we are on the topic of Florida...

One thing that I’ve learned over the years of hanging out with lawyers is that if you require a person to do something different based on protected categories that is discrimination.

Say a student is legally named Richard but wants to be called “Dick” or another student Elizabeth wants to be called “Beth”, you don’t require them to fill out a form but if trans student wants to be known by preferred name rather than their legal name and you require them to fill out a form… that is discrimination. 

School district responds to so-called 'Don't Say Gay' law with transgender reporting rule
The plan was created in response to the "Parental Rights in Education" law.
ABC News
By Kiara Alfonseca
uly 27, 2022


Transgender students in Lee County School District in Florida who want to be identified by teachers and principals with pronouns that correspond with their gender identity will now have to fill out a Gender Support Plan.

"If a student does complete a gender support plan, which will by law require their parents' involvement, it is a confidential document and available only to the school counselor and student," said Rob Spicker, the assistant director of media relations and public information at Lee County Schools.

Without a completed gender support plan, with a parent's signature, school staff will use the student’s name and gender as it is identified in the school's system. Students who are 18 or older will not be required to have a parent’s signature.

Local parent Crystal Czyscon told ABC affiliate WZVN that she believed the document was discriminatory and “frightening," fearing that students may be singled out.

This is just another attempt to make trans “different” from the other students. Even if the parents are supportive this separates them from the other students. Here in Connecticut a students does have to go through anything like that, there is no form that a parent has to fill out.

In defense of the district, Spicker said the plan is tended to protect LGBTQ students and denied that the plan is some form of registry of trans students. It is not required for trans students to fill out the form, he said. However, if they do not fill it out, they may only be identified by school faculty with their gender assigned at birth.

If you believe that, I have a famous bridge to sell you.