Restrictive bathroom laws have had adverse effects on schools, which are already struggling to keep students engaged and learning. When transgender students cannot access restrooms that match their gender identity, they may feel unsafe and unwelcome at school. This can lead to absenteeism, lower grades, and even dropout rates. To understand why this is happening, let's look at what it means for a transgender student to be able to access the appropriate restroom.
Definition of terms
Let's define some important terms. "Transgender" refers to someone whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.
A person born male who identifies as female would be considered transgender. The term "cisgender" describes people whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender identity is different from sexual orientation; one can be cisgender and straight or gay or lesbian.
Restrictive bathroom laws
Let's talk about restrictive bathroom bills. These laws require students to use restrooms based on their biological sex rather than their gender identity. They have been proposed in several states and have caused controversy because of the potential impact on transgender students. Transgender students may face discrimination and harassment if they try to use the correct restroom. Some may choose to avoid using any restroom altogether, leading to health problems. Others may skip class entirely to avoid being forced into an uncomfortable situation.
Effects on attendance
Research has shown that restrictive bathroom laws can have serious effects on school attendance. One study found that when North Carolina passed a law requiring people to use public restrooms matching the sex on their birth certificate, there was a significant drop in high school attendance among transgender students. This had a negative effect on academic performance, which was lower compared to cisgender students. In addition, students who identify as LGBTQ+ were more likely to miss school due to safety concerns.
Effects on grades
Another study looked at the impact of restrictive bathroom laws on college students. It found that transgender students who faced discrimination in the bathroom were more likely to have poorer grades and higher rates of dropping out. The researchers suggest that this is because transgender students feel less comfortable and supported at school, leading them to leave or perform worse academically.
Alternative solutions
There are alternatives to restrictive bathroom bills that could benefit all students. Schools can install private stalls or single-occupancy restrooms for those who need it. They can also provide gender-neutral options, such as multi-stall restrooms with no urinals.
Schools should educate staff and students about transgender issues to create a more welcoming environment for everyone. By working together, we can ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and able to succeed in school.
How do restrictive bathroom bills affect school attendance and performance?
Students who identify as transgender and nonbinary are often discriminated against due to their gender expression, which leads them to feel uncomfortable using public restrooms that do not align with their identity. This may cause them to miss school days or disrupt their focus during class, resulting in lower grades.