Arkansas’s school districts debate the new name and pronoun regulation

Little Rock, Arkansas – Currently, Arkansas school districts are debating how to implement a new law in the Natural State.

The law sets guidelines for how teachers should refer to kids by name and pronouns. Although the North Little Rock School Board reviewed it on Thursday night, every district must put this into practice.

If a parent does not offer formal consent, district workers must refer to pupils by the name that is listed on their birth certificate.

In addition, unless a parent or legal guardian gets written consent to the contrary, it mandates that they use the pronouns that correspond to the gender assigned to them at birth.

Since it is a state legislation, the NLRSD board did not vote on it on Thursday, but the human resources director did go over it with the board so they would know what to expect in the new academic year.

The transgender community in the state is concerned about this shift, according to Megan Bailey, a spokesman for ACLU of Arkansas.

She said that it now applies to all school districts, and she gave the following example:

“Arkansas’ public schools should create inclusive and welcoming environments for all students, regardless of their gender identity, and teachers should be supported in using correct pronouns for transgender and cisgender students alike.

Teachers should not be prevented from affirming their students’ gender identity, and trans students should not be singled out for discrimination.”

According to documents presented at the school board meeting, this takes effect on July 1, 2023.