UK Govt Issues Guidelines for Schools on Gender Identity
The ruling Conservative government in Britain has released long-awaited guidance for schools in England, addressing the complex issue of children questioning their gender identity.
The guidelines, Excel Magazine International gathered, not mandatory, come amid internal party divisions, with some advocating for a ban on children identifying differently from their birth sex.
The transgender guidance emphasizes that there is “no general duty” to allow a child to socially transition. However, it acknowledges that students may informally change their names if it’s deemed in their best interest, with full parental consultation.
Social transitioning, encompassing name changes, attire choices, and preferred pronouns, is outlined in the advice.
Notably, teachers and children are advised they “should not be required” to use a child’s preferred pronouns. The document reinforces parental involvement in decisions related to a child’s request to socially transition.
The guidelines, currently under a 12-week consultation, affirm that single-sex schools can reject pupils of the opposite sex, regardless of gender questioning.
Women and Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch, describing herself as “anti-woke,” asserts the guidance aims to empower teachers facing challenges misrepresented by activists.
However, Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, expresses concern, stating that the guidelines leave many questions unanswered, placing school leaders in difficult positions.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss criticizes the guidance, calling for a legal definition of sex as biological to protect single-sex spaces.
Truss also advocates banning under-18s from accessing puberty blockers, asserting that the guidance falls short.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had promised the guidance’s release by summer, and it does not apply to schools in Scotland and Wales, where education is locally administered
