Pronoun Directive Making Waves In The Central Bucks School District

DOYLETOWN, PA — An informal directive over how teachers should refer to students in the classroom is making waves in the Central Bucks School District.

The directive came to light Sept. 19 in an Instagram post that said teachers at Lenape Middle School were informed by their principal that they may not call students by their preferred pronouns unless their parents/guardians have approved the change in the school's information database.

"In a cruel, twisted and directed attack on trans and non-binary students, the principal differentiated that students can be called by nicknames contained within their name, like Ben for Benjamin," said the post from save_cbsd. "But it's not acceptable to call a student Samantha if their name is listed as Samuel. See whats happening here?"

The Instagram post continues, "When questioned if this legally unsound directive is an actual policy, the principal said no, but that the directive is expected to come soon from the superintendent ... Actions like this are unnecessary, violate Title IX and can put queer kids in serious danger."

"The district understands the importance and sensitivity of this issue, and there is nothing
automatic about this process. Every child is unique, every situation is different, and our school counselors work with students individually," said Central Bucks School District Superintendent Dr. Abram Lucabaugh.

"Parents are stakeholders in these matters, too, so we do talk with students about the importance of including parents in decisions like these," he continued. "We help prepare students for the conversations and also help facilitate them to reach an agreed-upon solution."