Now gender police want a ban on ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ in schools
30 pages of ultra-PC edicts for teachers
SCHOOLS must ‘challenge gender stereotypes’ by ending the distinction between boys and girls, according to the latest guidance.
A new policy document calls for schools to abandon the traditional view that ‘male’ and ‘female’ are two distinct categories.
Drawn up by NHS Scotland and councils, it makes a series of recommendations to ‘reduce discomfort for children or young people with gender identity issues’.
One demand, which has provoked a fierce debate among education campaigners and parenting groups, is that all children must be allowed to choose their preferred gender – and that teachers must ‘respect and accommodate’ their wishes.
The 30-page document warns parents should not have an automatic right to be told about their child’s gender choices, as revealing that a child is transgender or ‘gender variant’ could put the young person ‘at risk in their own home’.
The document – Supporting Transgender And Gender Variant Children And Young People: Guidance for Schools – also makes a series of recommendations which fly in the face of generations of educational convention.
It says schools should abandon ‘gender specific awards’, potentially ending traditional roles such as head boy and head girl.
It also says pupils should be allowed to compete in sports in whichever gender he or she ‘truly feels they are inside’.
Although acknowledging that ‘as puberty develops, male to female trans participants may have a physical advantage over other girls,’ the document suggests this will not be a problem if ‘carefully and sensitively managed’.
But critics yesterday described the guidance as ‘outrageous’.
Josie Appleton, director of civil liberties group the Manifesto Club, said: ‘The idea that authorities have a policy document which essentially says schools have the licence over children’s identities, and keep that private from parents, is outrageous.
‘It’s going to completely estrange institutions from parents.
‘Any successful school needs to have parents completely on board and the idea that working with them exposes children to violence expresses a completely contemptuous view of parents.
‘I also think there’s an almost encouraging now of children to change their gender. If children are presenting with these issues, then obviously schools have to deal with them – but they shouldn’t have a policy that encourages that.’
Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: ‘It’s a minefield for education authorities, teachers and schools.
‘The vast majority of children are not unsure of their gender so we are talking about quite a small minority.’
He added: ‘We absolutely must look after the interests of all children, including those who are uncertain of their gender identity.
‘However, teachers are not experts in this area and dabbling in it as though they are is likely to cause considerable confusion.’
The document, produced by NHS Forth Valley in conjunction with Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk councils, reflects a growing body of opinion that many children may not fit into the traditional idea of ‘boys’ or ‘girls’.
It says: ‘Society views male and female as two distinct categories... Within school, we have an opportunity to challenge the typical gender stereotypes.
‘Moving away from these distinctions can significantly reduce discomfort for children or young people with gender identity issues and reinforce the message we are all individual and equal.’
The document also suggests using ‘gender-neutral’ books and games. Suggestions for lessons include creating a model village with characters including those who are LGBT, same-sex couples or who have a disability.
Pupils can also study pictures of historical and cultural dress including kilts, saris and men in ruffs and tights.
The guidance suggests staff contact foreign border control before school trips to ensure that being gender variant or transgender is not illegal.
Yesterday, a Stirling Council spokesman said: ‘Our schools pride themselves on providing a supportive and nurturing environment for all of Stirling’s children and young people.’
A Falkirk Council spokesman said: ‘The guidance is available to help staff support any child or young person if required.’
Clackmannanshire Council said: ‘The guidance is supported by professional learning opportunities and inputs to ensure that all school staff feel comfortable and confident when dealing with young people and their families.’
‘The idea is outrageous’