[News] [NV, USA] Transgender teen allowed in boys’ graduate procession after TV station steps in

[Stephanie Stevens]

LGBTQ Nation, USA


Filed: Wednesday, May 16, 2012

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Nevada

Transgender teen allowed in boys’ graduate procession after TV station steps in

Staff Reports


LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A Las Vegas high school student, who came out as
transgender male to family and friends last year, will be able to walk
in his high school graduation ceremony with the rest of his male
classmates after a local television station interceded with school
officials.

[Photo: Francis Dalog Jr.]

Francis Dalog Jr., 18, who identifies as male, and said his high
school experience at Shadow Ridge High School was largely
conflict-free — until recently, when a school administrator insisted
he walk with the girls in the graduation procession, because, as far
as school officials are concerned, Dalog is still biologically a girl.

“I explained to her that I’m transgender and she’s like, doesn’t
matter, whatever’s on the paper that’s whatever side you’re going to
go on,” Dalog told KLAS-TV
<http://www.8newsnow.com/story/18426623/transgender-students-graduation-concern>
.

“I want to leave as who I am. I want to graduate high school as who I
really am,” Dalog said.

KLAS reported that administrators at Shadow Ridge High recognize
Francis “the she,” not “the he.” But after KLAS-TV raised concerns
<http://www.8newsnow.com/story/18426623/transgender-students-graduation-concern>
with the school district level, the administrator’s decision was
reversed.

The Clark County School District has no specific policies related
to transgender students instead it relies on a more individualized
approach, explained school board president Linda Young.

“Each case is a little different; each student is a little
different. I think it has to be discussed in light of what’s going to
be comfortable for all involved, because it’s not just that student,
but the other students as well,” said Dr. Linda Young, CCSD school
board president.

“There should be policies,” said Jane Heenan with Gender Justice Nevada.

On Tuesday, Dalog was informed by school administrators at Shadow
Ridge that he would be permitted to walk in the procession with the
other male students

“The district wants all students to feel welcome in their education
environment and therefore will make reasonable accommodations,” the
district said, in a statement.

For more, watch the report from KLAS-TV:

[Video <http://www.8newsnow.com/story/18426623/transgender-students-graduation-concern?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7264370>
]


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