USAC resolution supporting transgender population admirable

The Queer Alliance commends USAC for its resolution supporting
the inclusion of gender identity in the Westminster School District
non-discrimination policy. The council’s resolution
demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the safety and equality the
transgender population deserves.

This resolution was created in light of recent actions taken by
the Westminster School District Board of Trustees. A few weeks ago,
the board voted not to comply with the language of AB 537, a state
law which extends the state’s non-discrimination policy to
include “gender identity.” The phrase “gender
identity” is defined as the gender one perceives oneself to
be, rather than the gender one is assigned at birth.

The law is meant to protect the transgendered students, faculty
and staff who face discrimination. By voting against these
protections, the Westminster School District became the first and
only school district in California to refuse to institute the
state-mandated changes.

The decision not to comply with the law came down 3-2. All three
members who voted against the statute failed to give rational
justifications. They reasoned that they are devoted Christians and
do not want to promote transsexualism in their schools. Therefore,
they could not vote to ensure the safety of transgendered students,
staff and faculty in their district.

The effects of the board’s decisions are far-reaching.
Without this protection explicitly codified, transgender staff and
faculty could potentially be discriminated against, demoted or
fired because of their gender identity. But transgendered students
will bear the brunt of the negative effects of the board’s
decision. Already, transgender students face constant harassment
from their peers ““ harassment that often turns violent.
Transgendered students often do not feel safe in their own schools.
The school board’s decision makes it so the schools have no
responsibility to protect these students.

It is nothing short of appalling that the board would fail to
protect students from harassment. The safety of the students should
be the primary concern of the board and should not be sacrificed
for any reason.

The board’s decision did not come without consequences.
Hundreds of community members expressed their outrage at the April
1 board meeting, and moved to recall two of the dissenting members.
Earlier this month, state Superintendent Jack O’Connell
threatened to withhold millions of dollars in funding and even
seize control of the district if it does not comply with the law.
Organizations, such as several parent teacher associations, the
American Civil Liberties Union, and Gay-Straight Alliances in the
high schools of the district, took official stands against the
board.

By joining the struggle with these organizations, USAC adds
legitimacy and scope to the opposition to the Westminster
board.

The vote last Tuesday to accept the resolution in USAC was
unanimous, except for General Representative Josh Lawson, who stood
alone in opposing it. Lawson offered no insight into his vote. It
would seem Lawson is not open-minded enough to consider the issue
of basic safety for transgendered Westminster School District
students seriously enough to change his vote.

This is not the first action of this nature Lawson has taken.
Earlier this year, Lawson stood alone in opposing the resolution in
support of same-sex marriage. Furthermore, Lawson has yet to make
any attempts at co-programming with any undergraduate lesbian, gay,
bisexual or transgender organization.

It is disturbing to think a council member who is supposed to
represent the issues of all UCLA students could turn such a blind
and callous eye to the needs of the LGBT population. Lawson’s
position on the council requires him to take responsibility for
addressing the needs and issues of LGBT students at UCLA,
regardless of what his personal beliefs may be.

If he is unwilling or unable to follow this directive, for
reasons of conscience or otherwise, then it might be best for him
to reconsider his involvement with a body dedicated to safeguarding
the rights of all students ““ even if they happen to be
queers.

Boloori is the chair of the Queer Alliance.