My husband, Dave Spencer, and I are very troubled by the new law that Gov. Sanders recently signed into law: A bill that bars transgender people from using school restrooms that do not align with the sex listed on their birth certificate, the latest in a series of GOP-led legislative efforts to restrict LGBTQ rights in schools.
The bill, which cleared the state’s legislature earlier this month, covers restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms and shower rooms. It allows superintendents, teachers and principals to be fined a minimum of $1,000 if they do not comply with the law, which applies to pre-K through 12th grade in public and charter schools. It goes into effect in late summer, Sanders’ office said.
The law requires “multiple occupancy restroom or changing areas,” be used by those of the same sex “as identified on his or her original birth certificate issued at or near the time of his or her birth,” the law says.
As someone with a transgender young adult (luckily out of high school) in my family, I am horrified by this – what a waste of legislative time and how hurtful to a sector of the population. Who really cares about this issue of bathroom usage. It seems to be part of the Republican/Trump agenda to vilify certain sectors of our country (e.g. immigrants).
And how on earth will this new law be enforced…cameras in bathroom to be reviewed daily? Don’t teachers and principals have ENOUGH to worry about every single day… they are challenged to deal with so many issues already and still do a great job teaching every single student.
There are SO MANY serious issues facing folks in Arkansas – for example, as Good Shepherd volunteer I see folks trying to give their family pet to the shelter because they cannot afford pet food, much less feed their family. Local emergency food pantries are challenged to keep up with the need.
We know YOU to be a caring individual and we appreciate all the work you do on so many committees to HELP folks in our district!! Thank you.
Maybe you could share this letter with your colleagues who voted for this legislation so that our voices could be heard. And perhaps the meme below says it best.
Nan Johnson and David Spencer