Nisky Continues Struggle for Transgender Rights

By Hillary Htun

During the beginning of the school year, students at the Niskayuna High School protested at Crossroads to speak out about the rights of transgender students. They would come during their free mods to group together at the intersection, and then spread awareness on the unresolved issues. These long running issues included a wide variety of topics. For example, students didn’t have the right to hang up posters involving transgender rights or transphobia, and several emails sent directly to administration trying to emphasize the discrimination were unaddressed. The administration was also known for taking large amounts of time to change a student’s name in the school system. Another prominent issue was teachers using the incorrect pronouns of students, even after being corrected. Furthermore, faculty seemed indifferent to transphobia among students. 

One of the most controversial issues involved the school’s gender neutral bathrooms, which were supposed to be unlocked for student use. However, students were unable to use these bathrooms due to the school purposefully locking them. Some bathrooms were even altered in order to be used by Niskayuna teachers and staff. These events sparked an immediate response and was one of the main causes for the Crossroad’s protest. 

Seven months after the protest and the spread of public awareness with the situation, the gender neutral bathrooms have been unlocked. Students are now able to use these bathrooms in the A hall and C hall. Certain teachers have become attentive to pronoun usage. On the other hand, there are also still signs of frustration among students. Google account student profile pictures continue to have the image of the phrase “Niskayuna is Transphobic.” In the bathrooms and sitting areas near the main entrance of the high school, some surfaces have written on with the same phrase in permanent marker. This shows that not all of the issues, including exclusion and discrimination, have been resolved yet. 

One of these issues would include the lack of proper training for teachers. In the words of the anonymous source from earlier this year, “I think the teachers and administrators need more training on how to respond to trans students. They should be taught by actual trans people instead of whatever diversity training they get now if any.” In the past seven months, the administration still hasn’t released any new information pertaining to the treatment of transgender students from teachers. And with no serious action taken against transphobic students, transgender students likely still feel uncomfortable with sharing their sexuality on school grounds. “Not being able to use the right bathroom, being called the wrong name and pronouns, and having no one to stand up for you when transphobic things are said has a serious impact on trans students safety and mental health.”

At the Niskayuna school district, equity towards all students is an expectation set for both fellow students and teachers. This would include equity towards those in the transgender community. As stated in the Niskayuna page under Equity at Niskayuna, “Equity is our commitment to ensuring that all students are able to fully access educational experiences and services in our schools – and eliminating necessary barriers to achieving this. Equity is doing everything it takes to ensure that all students feel valued, safe, and welcome. Equity is about building authentic relationships with students and families and embracing the unique perspectives and contributions of all in our community.” In the future, the Equity committee states that they plan to continue empowering Niskayuna’s diverse student body.