Eau Claire Area School District states that “parents are not entitled” to know about their children choosing to change gender identities

In late February 2022, teachers at Eau Claire Area School District were reportedly told that parents did not not need to know about their children choosing to change their gender identities. The news outlet Wisconsin Spotlight reported that teachers in the school district were participating in training on “Safe Spaces” when a slide in the presentation featured the comment. Wisconsin Spotlight acquired the slide from the training session and published it. The slide stated:

Remember, parents are not entitled to know their kids’ identities. That knowledge must be earned. Teachers are often straddling this complex situation. In ECASD, our priority is supporting the student.

Wisconsin Spotlight reported that the school district’s superintendent responded to an inquiry for comment. He appeared to defend the training session that the school district provided to teachers:

Our staff often find themselves in positions of trust with our students. The staff development presentation shared extensive data and information to assist our staff members in our ongoing efforts to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. The ECASD prides itself on being a school district that makes all students feel welcome and safe in our schools.