New! Utah Parents And Students Take Stand Against New Bathroom Law
SALT LAKE CITY – A gathering near Emerson Elementary School on Friday drew a large number of parents and young kids from Utah. It was a reaction to the new and contentious bathroom law that the state had implemented in the Salt Lake City School District.
Background
In publicly-funded buildings, individuals are required by law to use the restroom designated for their gender on their birth certificate, as passed during the 2024 General Legislative Session.
After receiving criticism from parents, the Salt Lake City School District decided to abandon its original proposal to show slideshows to every K–12 student.
A one-on-one meeting between the district and specific kids who might be impacted by the new law was later scheduled.
Nonetheless, the district announced in a recent newsletter that it was proceeding with its intention to provide a slideshow that explains the new law’s impact on every kid. A slideshow for kids in grades K–5 and another for those in grades 6–12 was set up by the district.
“We are proceeding with adhering to the legislation following further discussions with state lawmakers and others in education. According to the district newsletter, this includes the mandate that districts “give notice to students.” Disseminating this knowledge to every student is crucial. especially since we can’t know every student who will be impacted.
An email or a flyer would not have been adequate, district spokesperson Yandary Chatwin previously stated on KSL NewsRadio.
“We wanted to ensure that the messaging was consistent,” Chatwin stated. “The children were hearing things at a different school in a different way because that one teacher didn’t deliver a message in that way.”
Utah’s Protest Against the Bathroom Law
Just around the corner from Emerson Elementary School, parents and students gathered outside Liberty Heights Fresh. Numerous people raised and displayed transgender pride flags, while some carried signs that said, “Honk for Equality.”
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According to a parent, they wished to establish a welcoming environment for the youngsters. Allison, the mom, requested that KSL NewsRadio withhold her last name.
The way the district decided to teach students—especially those in primary school—about the new rule has disappointed her, she added.
She questioned, “Tell me where this has caused an issue in the schools up to this point.” “Why are we concentrating on information that is genuinely unimportant and disruptive?”
“I’m not sure why [the district] believes this to be a problem,” Allison remarked. “When you speak with the children, the majority of them ask why this is even an issue.
Why Is This Even A Thing?
Allison expressed her opinion that it was unnecessary to teach elementary school pupils about this regulation in the first place. Many of them, according to her, don’t know why or what is being offered.
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“[The district] made an issue out of thin air,” the woman claimed.
After around thirty minutes of nonviolent protest, parents walked the children back to school.
In addition, the district newsletter stated, “We are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all of our kids, families, and staff continue to feel secure and welcome in our schools.
To develop legally compliant privacy strategies for each affected student, we will keep collaborating with them and their families.