Fort Bend ISD Approves Controversial Gender Policy

The Fort Bend ISD board has approved a contentious gender policy that mandates notifying parents if a student wishes to use a different name or pronouns, aligning with similar policies in Katy and Cy-Fair ISDs. This policy also restricts transgender students from participating in sports based on their gender identity and limits the use of bathrooms and locker rooms to the biological sex designated at birth. Proponents argue that the policy enhances parental rights and transparency, while critics contend it endangers LGBTQ+ students by potentially increasing discrimination and discouraging them from expressing their identities. The decision has sparked significant debate, with community members and educators expressing concerns about the policy's implications for student safety and mental health. Despite the controversy, the policy emphasizes the rights of all students and aims to address privacy concerns, particularly in gender-specific spaces like restrooms. The policy has already had adverse effects, with some students choosing not to disclose their gender identity due to fear of backlash.