TRANSGENDER: Hold leadership accountable

I am writing to express outrage and disappointment regarding the recent incident involving Lakeland School District superintendent Lisa Arnold and her actions toward a transgender member of Missoula Children’s Theatre after complaints from some audience members. Ms. Arnold’s apology serves to highlight the systemic issues of discrimination and prejudice within our educational system and the North Idaho community.

Ms. Arnold’s statement, in which she apologizes for allowing a transgender individual to be present in our schools, is deeply troubling and offensive. By characterizing the presence of a transgender person as a “weakness” in vetting guest speakers or school assembly groups, Ms. Arnold not only demonstrates a lack of understanding and empathy but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes, stigmatizing tropes and discrimination against the transgender community. Her implication that such presence in some way puts student safety at risk is insulting and shows a wanton disregard for the well-being of LGBTQ+ community members, including students in these very schools.

As community members, it is our duty to stand against discrimination in all its forms and demand accountability from our school leadership. The transgender individual who was unfairly targeted and the local LGBTQ+ community deserves a formal and public apology. We must reject discrimination and bigotry, and work toward creating a community that is truly inclusive and welcoming to all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or any other characteristic that may seem to cause discomfort. The cure for discomfort is knowledge, compassion and empathy. Those are gained through education, not exclusion.

LEE WALLACE

Post Falls