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Blog #10 Woke Read Aloud and RI Laws and Policies on Sex and Gender-Based Systems

     Reading the Rhode Island Department of Education's guidance on supporting transgender and gender non-conforming students helped me see how important it is for schools to be safe and welcoming for every student. The guidance makes it clear that students should be respected for who they are. That means using their chosen name and pronouns, even if they don’t match what’s listed on school paperwork. It also says schools should not tell a student’s parents about their gender identity without the student’s permission, especially if it might put the student in danger or make them feel unsafe at home. I think this is really important because school might be the only place where some students feel accepted and supported. If a student is afraid to be themselves at home, school should be the place where they are treated with kindness and respect. Teachers and staff need to create classrooms where students don’t feel judged or left out, no matter what their gender identity is.

    This reminded me of the children’s book It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn. The book does a good job explaining that everyone has a gender identity, and that it’s okay for everyone to be different. I think this book is a helpful tool for teaching younger students how to respect each other. It helps children see that there isn't a“right” or “wrong” way to be yourself. When students see themselves being represented in books and lessons, it helps them feel seen and valued. When students learn about others who may be different from them, it helps build empathy and understanding. 

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