NEA teachers union accuses 'right-wing extremists' of lying about LGBT org that pushed to hide kids' genders
GLSEN faced backlash after reports that Target Corporation supported the organization
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}America's largest teachers union is backing the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), an LGBTQ+ awareness and inclusion organization that most recently entered the spotlight for its collaboration with Target Corporation.
"I am united with @GLSEN in uplifting ALL students, regardless of gender or identity," National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle tweeted Tuesday. "As we enter Pride month, we must stand ever more resolute in that commitment while extremists attack and deny students' rights and try to curtail all student’s freedom to learn."
GLSEN advocates for integrating certain gender ideology into K-12 classrooms, including providing sample district policies which restrict parents' knowledge on their child's gender identity in schools.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, waves with Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, at the National Education Association 2022 annual meeting and representative assembly in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. (Photographer: Tannen Maury/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The organization's website features a page titled "Model Local Education Agency Policy on Transgender and Nonbinary Students" and lays out its recommendations to ensure LGBTQ+ students are offered a "welcoming" educational environment.
"Staff or educators shall not disclose any information that may reveal a student’s gender identity to others, including parents or guardians and other staff, unless the student has authorized such disclosure, the information is contained in school records requested by a parent or guardian, or there is another compelling need. This disclosure must be discussed with the student, prior to any action," the transgender and nonbinary students policy reads.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}GLSEN has come under fire for recommending that school staff keep parents in the dark about their child's gender identities without their consent. (iStock)
"Prior to disclosing any such information about a transgender or nonbinary student, educators and staff should work with the student to discuss the manner, time, and message of this disclosure," it continues. "This should include providing the student with any support services they may need to make the disclosure in a safe and supportive environment."
The page further recommends that since some students may not be "ready" for their parents to be informed of their gender identity decision, school staff should check with the child before using their "affirmed gender" in conversations with parents.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A photo of a Pride Progress flag, which includes colors from the Transgender Pride Flag. (Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
NEA condemned "harmful and vicious lies" that "right-wing extremists" spread about GLSEN in a Tuesday press release where Pringle wrote in part, "As we enter Pride month, we must stand ever more resolute in that commitment while extremists attack and deny the right to celebrate LGBTQ+ lives and attempt to curtail all students freedom to learn. It’s more important than ever for actionable allyship that centers LGBTQ+ visibility and representation, as well as unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ equality by institutional allies like employers and businesses."
Fox News Digital reached out to NEA and GLSEN for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.
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