Two transgender students reported feeling singled out and hurt by Kluge’s refusal to use their first names. Other students, teachers, and counselors also voiced concerns about the uncomfortable learning environment created in Kluge’s classroom.
Teachers must use transgender students first names
In January, the district informed all teachers that they would now be required to use the first names and pronouns listed in the database. And Kluge questioned whether the rule would apply to him.
He was given the option to comply, resign, or be fired. Kluge chose to resign and subsequently sued the school for religious discrimination.
The federal judge ruled that Kluge’s refusal to use transgender students’ first names and pronouns created an undue hardship on the district, which has the responsibility to educate all of its students.
The appeals court agreed, stating that the accommodation of using last names only resulted in students feeling disrespected, targeted, dehumanized, and disrupted the learning environment.
