"Stalled Progress: The Frustrations of Delayed Transgender Guidance for Schools"

Lizzie Harewood, ACT’s Executive Officer gives an update on the transgender guidance promised to schools. A slightly shorter version of this article can be read at Christian teachers need clarity on transgender now | Opinion | Premier Christianity

The long-awaited government guidance on gender in schools, promised for Autumn 2022, faced another setback last month, causing continued uncertainty among educators, students, and the public. Christian teachers, central to this debate, are growing frustrated and, in some instances, fearful.

In May, I expressed optimism about the impending government guidance for teachers on transgender issues, hoping it would integrate the practical Cass Review and NHS interim service specification, both cautious about social transition. Initially, there were discussions about advising against social transitioning in schools, but this idea was challenged by Attorney General Victoria Prentis, who deemed an outright ban unlawful. This contradicted the stance of former Attorney General Suella Braverman in 2022, who warned that schools endorsing transgender identity in confused children might breach the law and face sanctions.

And in response to a written question that asked whether it will “publish guidance to clarify whether teachers may refer to pupils by their legal and biological gender.”, the government didn’t explicitly express support for teachers using these genders in addressing them.

Whilst I wouldn’t go as far as to say the government have “refused” to support those who cannot refer to transgender pupils by their preferred gender, I share some of the concerns that others have expressed on the matter. And I represent a growing body of Christian teachers who also feel an increasing element of disquiet.

Frustration

My family, colleagues and friends would all agree- (my husband rather vehemently!)- that the repeated delay has created great frustration for me. I’ve been concerned at the rise of correspondence I’ve had on this issue from Christians in Education. While I might have ideological differences with teaching unions regarding transgender issues, it's difficult to ignore the valid worry they express about staff being left uncertain. Paul Whiteman, the head of the NAHT school leaders' union, expressed his disappointment with the delay, implying that “internal government conflicts” might be the cause.  

Despite my sleepless nights and bouts of complaining, I’m a big believer in the rule of law, and I sympathise with our elected representatives as they seek to make decisions that placate all sides of the debate. Politics is a tricky business and as per the New Testament, our general approach to government is to be cooperative and obedient citizens. But it’s hard when the issue appears to be passed around from one ideological side of the government to the other. It’s hard when teachers I speak to feel that they are in limbo and rudderless. And it’s hard when there’s so much evidence[1] that supports the possible harm and potential for “catastrophic outcomes” of endorsing trans-affirming policies in schools.

Fear

Many Christian teachers’ reactions go beyond the commonplace feelings of political frustration and tip over into very real fear about the consequences of ‘misgendering’-whether by accident or for reasons of conscience. ACT members and other Christian educators have been accused of transphobia, and have even faced professional misconduct allegations. The case of Joshua Sutcliffe- banned from teaching by the TRA for ‘misgendering’- recently brought this issue to a rather dramatic head.

Joshua's situation represents an extreme case; many Christians will find ways to resolve these issues with grace and pragmatism, without compromising their deeply held beliefs. But legitimate fear remains- and will so until we receive some clarity. 

One talented and compassionate teacher I spent time with recently expressed fear of applying for a role as head of RSHE. Her concern was that the topic of transgender issues would be unavoidable and that if pressed, she would have to share her views that sex was binary and immutable. Despite being well-suited for the role, the teacher was concerned about deviating from the prevailing cultural norms in the school and the potential job loss that could follow.

Faithfulness

It’s helpful to pause and consider the reality of the actual implications of this delay. Yes, teachers are frustrated. Yes, there is very real fear of the social and cultural implications of not affirming a child’s chosen gender. But, at the moment, there is no sign of an immediate statutory threat to the conscience of most Christians in Education.

This doesn’t mean that Christian teachers are ‘safe’. Far from it. They may be at further risk of isolation and marginalisation, ironically, particularly in certain educational environments that prioritize inclusivity and diversity. And if the law were to change for the worse, there could potentially be an increase in cases such as Joshua Sutcliffe’s.

But this should not surprise us. We are promised trials in this world! Nor should it deter Christians from being faithful to Christ in a society where the dominating forces upon our culture — education, the media, and the entertainment industry — are increasingly leading us away from Christianity’s influence. The problem is more than a rejection of God’s creative design, it is a rejection of God himself!

When Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble," we should absolutely take him at his word.

In these times, Christian teachers must be patient and graciously hold fast to Biblical truths. Yes, we should avoid affirming trans children to be a different gender; it is deceptive, unbiblical and potentially damaging. However, we must also show the humility of Christ, praying for our earthly government and our pupils experiencing real pain, accepting that we may never ‘win’ the battle on the issue of gender identity.

But winning the crown of righteousness? Well, if we hold fast to Christ, that’s something we can certainly be sure of.

[1] CC-Resource-Misc-Rowes-JR-Rogers-20210915.pdf (christianconcern.com)