“Controversy Erupts Over Transgender Teacher’s Gender Discussions in Cupertino Schools”
Tensions escalated at a Cupertino Union School District meeting on Thursday night as community members gathered to discuss a transgender teacher’s approach to discussing gender with young students. Although the teacher at the center of the controversy was not present, both supporters and detractors voiced their strong opinions before the school board.
The meeting attracted a crowd of teachers, parents, and community members who were concerned about the teaching methods used by a transgender educator at Dilworth Elementary School. The Cupertino Education Association emphasized the importance of protecting the teacher’s identity to prevent further harassment.
“My colleague and friend has been targeted and mentioned by name in previous board meetings, resulting in ongoing hateful messages. CUSD must unequivocally support and protect our LGBTQ+ community,” stated Steve Greenfield, a CUSD teacher.
Former CUSD student Jeffie Khalsa shared his positive experiences with LGBTQ+ teachers, saying, “Having two gay teachers in elementary school not only enriched our education but also inspired us to be true to ourselves. Their experiences shaped how they approached teaching in a profoundly positive way.”
During the meeting, some attendees alleged that the teacher had told four-year-old transitional kindergarten (TK) students it was acceptable for boys to wear dresses and introduced inappropriate materials in the classroom. However, the teachers’ union asserted that the educator was following the approved curriculum and promoting inclusivity. Still, some parents expressed their concerns.
“Last month, several Dilworth parents voiced apprehensions about sensitive gender identity topics being discussed in the TK classroom. Gender identity is not part of the TK curriculum; it is included in the human growth and development unit at the middle school level, which gives parents advance notice and an option to opt out,” said Crystal Hamilton, a CUSD parent and educator.
“We need more clarity on how these sensitive topics are being addressed in a manner suitable for TK students,” remarked Wei Chen, a parent of a Dilworth student.
Approximately 35 people spoke at the meeting, both in person and via phone. Sophi Scarnewman, a CUSD parent and sister of the teacher at the heart of the issue, described the methods used in the classroom, saying, “It’s just a drawing of children with different pronouns next to them. People are making much more out of this than it truly is.”
Both teachers and parents urged the district to establish a clearer policy regarding gender issues in the classroom. However, the district noted that since this topic was not on the agenda, no decisions about policy changes would be made at the meeting.
