NYC elementary school blasted for teaching ‘gender identity’ course to kindergarteners
A New York City elementary school is facing backlash for its controversial gender identity class being taught to kindergartners. Hillside Elementary School, part of the Hastings-on-Hudson Union Free District, has been implementing a “gender curriculum” aimed at promoting inclusivity and respect among students.
The course, which has recently garnered attention on social media, involves showing kindergarten students photos of other children to introduce vocabulary related to different gender identities such as cisgender, transgender, and non-binary. The school’s goal is to educate students about the diversity of identities and emphasize that one cannot make assumptions about a person based solely on appearances.
According to a message sent to parents regarding the curriculum, the students engage in discussions about gender identity, pronouns, and how the words used to describe one’s gender identity can evolve over time. The lessons are designed to encourage students to value the diversity of their classmates and promote a culture of respect within the school community.
Superintendent William S. McKersie emphasized that the gender lessons are conducted by certified educators and align with the NYS Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework. The school district clarified that the curriculum does not include sex education or discussions about sexuality.
While the gender lesson description was previously available on the school’s website, it has since been removed following the viral circulation of the course content on social media. The controversy surrounding the curriculum has sparked debate online, with some expressing concern about the age-appropriateness of the material being taught to young children.
Critics of the gender curriculum argue that children should be focusing on foundational academic subjects rather than being exposed to complex social issues at such a young age. New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino denounced the curriculum as “gender communism indoctrination” and called for consequences for those responsible for implementing it.
In response to the controversy, Kemberlee Kaye, managing editor of Critical Race Training in Education, advised parents to consider alternative education options and remove their children from government schools. The debate over the gender identity class highlights the ongoing tension between promoting diversity and inclusion in schools and concerns about the appropriateness of introducing such topics to young students.
As the discussion surrounding the gender curriculum at Hillside Elementary School continues, it raises important questions about the role of education in shaping students’ understanding of identity, diversity, and respect. The controversy serves as a reminder of the complex challenges faced by educators in addressing sensitive social issues in the classroom while also ensuring a well-rounded education for all students.
