A bill moving through the Arizona House of Representatives could prohibit the use of preferred pronouns of students by staff and teachers of schools.
Unless given written permission by guardians of the student, faculty would be required to use pronouns assigned at birth when referencing a child.
The bill still requires a vote of the full House before it can head to the Gov. Katie Hobbs’ desk.
“Transgender youth and their allies have warned that the proposal threatens to further stigmatize them,” said Democrat Rep. Patty Contreras. “Take away any welcoming environments that many of them depend on and threatens to negatively affect their academic performance.”
Those in support of the bill said it is the parents' responsibility to support the transgender process of their children and this bill aims to be transparent between schools and parents.
“This is extremely important, parents need to know and need to understand if their child is having some difficulties that they have the ultimate responsibility and not the school in transitioning these children,” said Republican Rep. Lisa Fink.
Others against the bill cited expert opposition for reasons to reject it.
“It’s opposed by educators, it's opposed by pediatricians, it’s opposed by experts who deal with children,” said Democrat Oscar De Los Santos. “That’s the first indicator that this is a misguided proposal.”
