School is back in session, and so is the fight for student rights.
A group called Let’s Go Washington is trying to force discrimination into our children’s schools through two harmful initiatives that will appear on your ballot this Fall.
In our communities, we parent, teach, and coach as a team, and we know what’s best for our kids.
Rather than address the urgent challenges facing young people, Let’s Go Washington and other anti-trans advocates want to undermine vital student mental health resources and scapegoat and exclude transgender kids from school activities.
So, what exactly are the harms of the two initiatives proposed by Let’s Go Washington?
One initiative, I-001, would upend an important student privacy law and release private student health records without the student’s consent.
This initiative undermines the relationship between students and school counselors, particularly for LGBTQ+ students who could be at risk of disclosing their sexual orientation before they’re ready – and potentially to unsupportive homes. This could severely impact a young person’s stability at home at a time when they need love and support, not punishment and rejection.
The other initiative, I-638, openly discriminates against transgender girls by banning them from participating in girls’ sports in school. This harmful measure denies transgender girls equal opportunities shared by their peers and subjects all girls – and only girls – to invasive sex verification before they can play sports.
Sports are where young people learn teamwork, confidence, leadership, and how to overcome challenges. All students – regardless of their gender – deserve to participate in opportunities at their school without fear.
We need to support students this school year and seek solutions that actually help young people thrive in school – no matter who they are.
Join us in voting “NO” on I-638 and I-001.
Thank you,
ACLU of Washington
American Civil Liberties Union
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004, USA