Bossier City Schools Implement New Restrictions on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discussions

Bossier City Updates School Policies on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Bossier City, Louisiana – August 29, 2024

On August 29, 2024, the Bossier Parish School Board announced significant changes to its policy regarding sex education, specifically concerning discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity. This revision comes in response to recent legislative actions that require schools to adhere to specific guidelines on these sensitive topics.

Under the new policy, teachers and school employees are now prohibited from discussing _sexual orientation and gender identity_ in any classroom setting. This includes not only regular lessons but also extracurricular activities, whether they are academic, athletic, or social in nature.

The policy states clearly that instructors and staff should refrain from covering these topics during school hours and at school-sponsored events. They must also avoid sharing their own sexual orientation or gender identity. This approach aims to create clear boundaries regarding discussions that the school board feels are not appropriate for the school environment.

While the policy restricts discussion of these topics by teachers, it does allow students to seek guidance from educators or licensed mental health professionals after school hours, provided they have parental consent. This means that students still have avenues to discuss these subjects if they choose, but it must be done outside the formal classroom structure.

Additionally, the Bossier Parish School Board has introduced a new policy regarding how teachers refer to students. According to this rule, educators are required to use the name or a derivative of the name that appears on the student’s birth certificate. They are also expected to use pronouns that correspond to the student’s biological sex, unless written permission is provided by the student’s parent to use alternative pronouns.

In cases where a teacher opposes using a preferred pronoun due to personal beliefs, parents have the option to request a transfer to a different teacher. This clause aims to balance the rights of students to express their identities with the moral and religious convictions of the teaching staff.

These changes are mandatory and align with state law, reflecting a broader trend in educational policies across the country.

The reaction among parents and educators is mixed. Some support the revisions as a means to maintain traditional educational values and protect young students from potentially confusing discussions. Others express concern that such policies could marginalize students who may not conform to traditional views on gender and identity.

The school board believes that the new guidelines will help provide a consistent educational environment aligned with Louisiana’s legislative intent. They have emphasized that the primary mission of the schools is to educate students academically while keeping personal and potentially divisive topics out of the classroom.

As the school year progresses, Bossier Parish educators will be trained on these new policies to ensure compliance and clarity. The school board remains committed to fostering an educational atmosphere that focuses on academic growth while adhering to state laws and community standards.

The community of Bossier City will be watching closely as these changes unfold in local schools. Ongoing discussions among parents, educators, and students will likely shape how these policies are implemented in practice moving forward.

For further inquiries or guidance regarding these new policies, the Bossier Parish School Board encourages contact through established communication channels.