Parents’ fury after science teacher handed out gender-identity graphic to explain to a 7th grade class wanting to be addressed as ‘Mx’ instead of ‘Mr’
August 11, 2019 in News by RBN Staff
source: www.stationgossip.com
Northern California parents are furious after a seventh and eight grade science teacher introduced the topic of gender identity and sexuality to students in an effort to explain the teacher’s preferred honorific.
Luis Davila Alvarado, who teaches at Denair Middle School in California’s San Joaquin Valley, used a ‘Gender Unicorn’ graphic from Trans Student Education Resources on Wednesday to explain the choice of ‘Mx.’ over ‘Mr.’ before being stopped by the principal.
‘Mx.’ is a gender-neutral honorific typically used by individuals who do not identify as a specific gender, or for people who simply don’t want to be referred to by gender.
‘A handful of parents’ felt the discussion was inappropriate for the age group, which typically includes 12- to 14-year-olds, and that science class was also not the proper place for the lesson, the Modesto Bee reported.
Gender identity is discussed during seventh through 12th grade health classes as part of sexual health and HIV/AIDS prevention education, pursuant to California’s public school curriculum.
DailyMail.com could not immediately reach the school or Alvarado for comment or to confirm the teacher’s preferred pronouns.
Sonia Rush, a stepparent of one student who received the handout, wrote on Facebook:
‘The teacher said that because he was transgender and the kids had lots of questions, he thought this would be beneficial to them. Which is the most bulls— excuse I’ve ever heard.’
