School officials in Stafford, VA, are scrambling after it was reported that middle school teachers blocked a trans student from seeking shelter during an "active shooter" drill. The girl in question was supposed to seek shelter in the nearest bathroom. But the teachers couldn't decide if she should access the boys room or the girls room, so they turned her away and told her to hang out in a hallway:
The school district put out a statement once news of this outrage became publicly known:
This past week, an incident occurred during a middle school lock down drill in Stafford County. When the drill began, a particular class of children took shelter in the bathroom/locker room nearest them as they were in PE. One student was prevented from entering either the boys or girls locker room while the teachers discussed where she should go. The student was forced to watch the adults charged with her care, debate the safest place (for the other students) to have her shelter. During this debate, she was instructed to sit in the gym with a teacher until the drill was complete, away from her peers and identified as different. After some additional debate, she was made to sit in the locker room hall way, by the door away from her peers. This happened because the child, in addition to being a model student, also happens to be transgender.That's right. They apparently would rather let this girl get shot than seek refuge with her peers.
The school district put out a statement once news of this outrage became publicly known:
"Stafford County Public Schools does not comment on individual student incidents to avoid divulging confidential information. However, the new superintendent has requested a review of all protocols and procedures to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect. We take such matters very seriously and they will be addressed. The welfare of all students is of the utmost importance for SCPS."Keep in mind that the school's spokesperson still hasn't said that what was done to this girl was wrong. She just said that they are reviewing all of their policies, practices, and safety procedures.