Should gender-identity related topic be taught in schools, particularly in early grades? This question has sparked massive debate across the United States as schools started to integrate the topic into their curricula. To what extent should this subject be introduced in schools? As it is a sensitive yet significant discussion,  concerns arose on what future might look like regarding the potential identity-crisis that children could face.

Picture illustration: Demonstrators outside a school board meeting in Glendale, California, on June 20, 2023. (David McNew/Getty Images)

Imagine putting your child at school, trusting that the education system will nurture their growth to be a good and successful human being in the future. Then, you find out that critical topics are being taught without your input or contradict to the values that you hold dearly. That’s the sense that you will get when reading the  Pennsylvania Record  news; “Parents of first graders taught transgender issues win lawsuit against Mt. Lebanon schools” and the Fox News with “Parents win in Pennsylvania court after school was accused of teaching first-graders about gender transition”. Here, we will analyze and compare how these two news articles develop their narrative on this matter and what possible intended and unintended messages they wish to share to their audiences.

In general, both articles reported the same news, but the Pennsylvania Record presented it in a more direct and location- specific manner, as evidenced by its title. As a local news outlet, it likely emphasized the exact location to enhance relevance to its primary audience, the Pennsylvanians. This approach is consistent with the article’s detailed and chronological writing style, which includes the clear identification of the names of people involved in this case. In contrast, Fox News, aiming for broader audiences, aims to provide a general overview of the situation while maintaining a neutral stance because it’s lack in details and supporting arguments. Instead of being ‘informative only’ like Fox News, the The Pennsylvania Record offers a detailed perspective on what happened, the sentiments of the school representatives, parents, and the considerations of local authorities in this case. The tone and the way the writing structures likely showing that the author ‘against’ the case as well, evident by a lot of details explaining why gender identity curriculum should not be taught in schools. 

This case encourages us to step back and reflect on the purpose of schooling and its crucial role in shaping and guiding children’s development. As education evolves over time, what stay is the hidden curriculum. This hidden curriculum encompasses not only how children learn to prepare for a better future but also the values and attitudes they are expected to develop.

As we have learned about human rights and their universal application, I believe that parental rights are an integral part of this framework. Children, especially in the early grades, are unable to make decisions for themselves and rely on guidance from adults. It is through this guidance that we direct them throughout their development process.

As one of the details Pennsylvania Record mentioned “… however, it is far worse – because her role as a teacher gives her a unique ability to influence the young children in her class. She used plaintiffs’ children as part of an unconsented to social/thought experiment to fulfill her own personal agenda.” The underlined statement is insightful and crucial as it highlights the hidden curriculum or agenda. Teachers should avoid imposing their personal preference on children, particularly within a school setting.

Sources:

Lanum, N. (2024, October 11). Parents win in Pennsylvania court after school was accused of teaching first-graders about gender transition. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/media/parents-win-pennsylvania-court-school-teaching-first-graders-gender-transition

Malfitano, N. (2024, October 8). Parents of first-graders taught transgender issues win lawsuit against Mt. Lebanon schools. Pennsylvania Record. https://pennrecord.com/stories/664914035-parents-of-first-graders-taught-transgender-issues-win-lawsuit-against-mt-lebanon-schools