Trangender teacher guidelines released {Australia}

This is a lesson in equitable treatment for all those concerned when a Transgender teacher starts their transition.

U.S. educators and legislators need to take notice.

John Masanauskas From: Herald Sun December 08, 2009 3:40AM

The Victorian Education Department has told principals that concerns about any effects on students are not grounds for banning transgender teachers, the Herald Sun reports.

But schools are allowed to discriminate against such teachers if principals have a rational belief that there is a need to protect students' physical and emotional wellbeing.

Equal opportunity laws prohibit discrimination and harassment on the grounds of gender identity, prompting the department to issue the guidelines on its website.

Figures on the number of transgender teachers in Victorian state schools are not available....

...The department's website offers the following advice for principals who are confronted with teachers who intend to change gender:

"You may require adequate notice to allow time to consult with the teacher and make arrangements regarding their teaching responsibilities and what the children are told."

Australian Family Association spokesman John Morrissey said yesterday that while gender identity was a private matter, vulnerable students shouldn't be exposed to dangerous role models. "It would make more sense for all concerned if that person was to make a fresh start at another school and not to proclaim their change to the world," he said.

Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals president Brian Burgess agreed it might be easier if transgender teachers moved schools, "but I certainly wouldn't make that a condition.

"At the end of the day, people have the right to do these things and I'd be trying to support it," he said....

...Australian Education Union state president Mary Bluett said: "It's often more an issue for the parents than the kids."...

Original Article