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Original poster

What are my rights ad a teacher?

30 replies

BetterBee · 17/03/2024 06:48

Hello, I was wondering if fellow teachers or those with knowledge on the subject could help me. I'm just wondering if I must follow the school’s guidance relating to trans rights, pronouns etc.

I had to teach a 15 minute session to my form on using preferred pronouns and had guidance on the pre prepared powerpoint that basically was telling the kids it's okay to forget but basically you must use them. I didn't deliver it exactly as they planned!

I would also want to refuse to use a child's preferred pronouns if I believed it wasn't in their best interest.

I basically wondering if I'd lose my job over it.

OP posts:
MidsomerMurmurs · 17/03/2024 07:45

@BetterBee Can you explain this further? In what circumstances do you believe it wouldn't be in the best interest of a child to use his/her/their preferred pronoun?

Amd what about the best interests of the class as a whole and the other children? Some of them might have been in classes together since they were 4 years old. They know who is male and who is female.

If responsible adults in a position of trust start lying about the sex of someone in the class, why should children trust them about anything. Literally anything?

Original poster
BetterBee · 17/03/2024 07:26

@NefertitiV as said by pp it's not a neutral act. Also, once a child starts transitioning it becomes very difficult for them to backtrack.

OP posts:
ArabellaScott · 17/03/2024 07:13

OP I'd love to be able to reassure you but I'm afraid I can't.

There have been court cases over this. Sex Matters may be able to offer advice. Teachers really need clear, impartial guidance and I hope it comes soon.

ArabellaScott · 17/03/2024 07:11

If OP is aware of the Cass interim report she may understand that social transitioning is not a neutral act.

No child can legally change sex.

NefertitiV · 17/03/2024 06:58

@BetterBee

I would also want to refuse to use a child's preferred pronouns if I believed it wasn't in their best interest.

Can you explain this further? In what circumstances do you believe it wouldn't be in the best interest of a child to use his/her/their preferred pronoun?

How often would it be an issue? Could you simply defer to using the child's name in most circumstances? Eg. "Can you pass David the pen, please," instead of "Can you pass them the pen, please."

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