Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called for the resignation of the Fort Worth ISD Superintendent, Kent Scribner, after Scribner announced a new policy allowing transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice.
Reese Ramsey, the president of the Texas Tech Gay Straight Alliance, said it’s more than just a state issue.
“If the school is not behind it, that will make the students feel that they don’t have to be behind it as well,” Ramsey said. “That could increase bullying, and increase instances of assault to transgender and other students who identify as LGBT.”
Ramsey said acceptance needs to come from the top down.
“These students are the ones that look up to these faculty and administrators within the school system,” Ramsey said.
Ramsey referenced North Carolina and the backlash it’s controversial bathroom bill has stirred up.
Now that talk of a similar bill may make it’s way to Texas, Ramsey said, it’ll do more harm than good.
“It’s bad for business,” Ramsey said. “It’s bad for the community that it’s targeting. I just feel like all these people want is just to pee. And I can guarantee you that everyone has been in a restroom with someone that identifies as transgender.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the issue comes down to safety for women and children.
“What we’re trying to do is make sure that in Texas we don’t have any inappropriate activity going on within these transgender bathrooms, and make sure that our women and children are protected,” Paxton said.
“Even with a law like this in place, it’s not going to stop them,” Ramsey argued. “Right now, sexual assault is illegal but it still happens.”
With the controversy likely to come up during the state’s next legislative session, Ramsey said he’ll stay positive.
“I hope one day Texas and even Lubbock can become a more accepting place,” Ramsey said.
