NEWS / Kansas bill to require schools to address students by name, gender in birth certificate

A bill currently discussed by Kansas lawmakers could require school staff to address students only by the name and gender that appears in their birth certificates, unless the student’s parent specifically requests otherwise in writing.

About 25 individuals testified on the bill on Monday, February 10.

“If a student doesn't feel safe in my classroom, then it's really hard for them to learn math, which is what I'm ultimately there for,” Math teacher Gabriel Padilla, a transgender man, was quoted by ABC KAKE as stating. “Having that ability for a teacher to see me as who I am is why I became a teacher myself.”

On the other hand, Brittany Jones with the Kansas Family Voice spoke out in support of the bill.

“There are a host of parents who have found out only afterward that this information was being held from them as their child was being transitioned in school without their knowledge,” Jones stated.

If passed, the bill will go into effect on July 1.