Rochester Community Schools adopts LGBTQ resolution that requires a “commitment” of support from students

On May 8, 2023, Rochester Community Schools adopted a new resolution titled “Rochester Community Schools Board of Education LGBTQ+ Support Resolution.” The district’s Board of Education uses the resolution to repeatedly state its support for LGBTQ issues. However, a concerned community member reached out to Parents Defending Education regarding a statement in the resolution. The resolution appears to force students into supporting LGBTQ issues:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, we acknowledge that this Resolution of support for LGBTQ+ inclusivity within RCS is not complete with any one action but depends on a systematic shift in paradigms and by increasing the understanding of sexual and gender diversity, recognizing that this creation requires appropriate communication, professional development, collaboration with our labor partners, and a commitment from the Board, District staff, and students.

The Board of Education also made this questionable remark regarding the creation of this resolution: “U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice have recognized that the Supreme Court’s reasoning in the Bostock decision applies to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), and that Title IX prohibits discrimination against and harassment of students and school employees based on sex, including gender identity and sexual orientation.”

The Board of Education also listed the Trevor Project as a resource in creating the resolution. The Trevor Project is an organization known for providing children with resources such as the “Understanding Gender Identities” guide. This resource states that “gender is actually a social construct.” The organization’s resource also appears to encourage children to question their gender and mentions the possibility of having surgery to transition:

If you decide that your current gender or sex just isn’t right, you may want to make your gender identity fit with your ideal gender expression and presentation. This is called “transitioning,” and can include social (like telling other people about which pronouns you like), legal (like changing your name, officially), or medical (like taking hormones, or having surgery). You don’t have to go through all of these things to be “officially” transgender, or to have your gender identity be valid. It’s all up to you, and what feels safe and comfortable.