BRYAN, Texas — Opponents of a proposed change by Bryan ISD to include gender-neutral terminology in their handbooks and code of conduct spoke out at the School District's board meeting Monday.
Back in July, BISD proposed switching gender-specific pronouns like "he" and "her" in their official documents by taking out pronouns altogether. Yet opponents of the measure saw the proposed changes as a change in gender terminology.
"The pronoun issue is just a first step in a bigger, longer, uh, term 'extreme left agenda,'" Susan Lucas, a Bryan ISD alumna said.
Opponents of the measure also wondered who would benefit from the changes in the student handbook and code of conduct.
"How does this help or improve the education of the student?" Bryan citizen Jake Caswell said. "This world is so confusing enough so think about the students."
A recent study from the Trevor Project found 1 in 4 LGBTQ youth preferred to use gender-neutral pronouns.
Caswell added that freedom in America must be vigilant.
"Do not succumb to the culture of change," he said.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christie Whitbeck said there are no substantive changes to the handbook and no additional changes to gender identity or distinction.
Brian Merrell who presented the formal changes explained the revisions as a more compassionate language and presented examples of how the changes would be implied.
"Truly there isn't a change to practice," Merrell said.
Merrell also addressed dress code revisions that now include athletic shorts in grades 7 and 8.
You can watch the full meeting here: