Glad MCPS is getting sued

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should always have a say in what their kids are learning. Ideally, their day can be to leave this crazy system but not vv everyone can afford that. Parents should be able to opt out of having their two and three year olds use a word search to find words like drag in story books being read to them.

https://www.fox5dc.com/news/3-montgomery-county-families-sue-mcps-over-lbtq-books.amp

Yup, I would have a big issue with this. I just read A Boy Named Penelope and I'm not comfortable with MCPS reading this book to my elementary school kid. The problem with MCPS not being transparent about these books is that parents won't have any idea what they're teaching our kids.

There were a lot of books I wasn't comfortable with MCPS including in the curriculum. Obviously MCPS should only include books that every person is comfortable with. Unfortunately, there aren't any. Therefore, MCPS should not include any books in the curriculum.

Also, MCPS literally put out a press release about "these books". It's like people complaining at a meeting for public comment that the public does not have any opportunity to comment.

To say that there aren't any books that every person would be comfortable with is truly reaching. The biggest issue that I have is that MCPS has chosen to not allow parents to opt out of these books in the future nor are they going to be required to inform parents what the kids are reading.

Have you met people?

In the 15 years I have been a MCPS parent, MCPS has never notified me about the books my children would read in ELA, or allowed me to opt my children out of them. I have also never heard anybody complain about lack of notification or lack of opt-out. Now suddenly there's the possibility that it might be a book that has an LGBTQ character in it, and you're all in a panic.

And that's the issue. We need to know what students should be reading if they're going to start putting books that are contraversial. Let's not be dense and pretend like every book is. I don't have an issue with books that show LGBTQ characters. I don't have an issue with majority of the books but a book like, A Boy Named Penelope, I do. I have an issue in general with MCPS overstepping their role and teaching our kids how I should parent if one of my daughters came to me to tell me that they're a boy.

Here's the thing. You think books with queer characters are "controversial" but I don't. I think they are fine. We know that other parents in this country think books about the civil rights movement are "controversial" and have moved to remove even the most age-appropriate books from the curriculum or to require parental notification for kids to read "Ruby Bridges Goes to School."

The moment MCPS gives into people like you, the next step is going to be books about the (unfinished) struggle for racial equality in this country.

We can see those battles playing out around the country, and it's imperative that MCPS hold the line here because the transphobes act first but the racists are right behind them.

If MCPS gives in to notification and opt-out about books with LGBTQ characters in them, the next step is notification and opt-out about classrooms with LGBTQ people in them.

Oh, Lord. Please. A Boy Named Penelope is about how a girl transitioned to a boy and how their family handled it. You're reaching. If the book was just about a girl who identifies as a boy, won a karate championship, or a spelling bee, great, and who cares. But go ahead, call me a bigot.

I don't get it.

So here's Common Sense Media: "Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. But his family, friends, and teachers see him as a girl. He acts out to make them see, but only after a heart-to-heart with his mom can he start living as who he is and focusing on other goals, like perfecting his roundhouse kick in karate. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

and you're not ok with that, but you'd be ok with this?

"Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. Then he wins a karate championship and a spelling bee. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

Are you worried that your child will come out as transgender to you, and you'll be unsupportive, and they'll say, "But in A Boy Named Penelope, the mom was supportive, why aren't you supportive like the mom in that book?"?

I completely disagree with the way it was handled in the book. The girl told her mom, "I am a boy" and after this heart-to-heart conversation, the mom said, "Okay. We will make a plan to tell everyone you're a boy." Just like that. Easy peasy. This is a five-year-old. What this is teaching kids is that if you "feel" like the opposite gender, you can easily switch. This kid's reasons were literally, I don't want to be like mom- I want to be more like dad and I prefer skateboarding and baggy pants. The parents just went ahead and said ok, no problem. I understand not everyone will agree with me but one thing that I do know is that this book belongs at home to be discussed with parents, not at school where a teacher gets to tell kids (not their own) their opinion on this matter. And no, I'm not a Republican.

This is a book in the ELA curriculum. It is not a parenting guide. If your child comes to you and tells you they are transgender, you are free to handle it however you want. You don't have to handle it like the mother in the book.

I know that. But the fundamental issue I have with this book is that it's overstepping and misguides children into thinking that changing their gender is as easy as switching hobbies. If MCPS wants to proceed with including it as part of the ELA curriculum for elementary school kids, I would like to have the option to opt out of this one.. but yet, they won't allow it.

[Anonymous]

Everything being posted in here is about fear. Fear that one day you might have to have an uncomfortable conversation with your child. Grow up people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should always have a say in what their kids are learning. Ideally, their day can be to leave this crazy system but not vv everyone can afford that. Parents should be able to opt out of having their two and three year olds use a word search to find words like drag in story books being read to them.

https://www.fox5dc.com/news/3-montgomery-county-families-sue-mcps-over-lbtq-books.amp

Yup, I would have a big issue with this. I just read A Boy Named Penelope and I'm not comfortable with MCPS reading this book to my elementary school kid. The problem with MCPS not being transparent about these books is that parents won't have any idea what they're teaching our kids.

There were a lot of books I wasn't comfortable with MCPS including in the curriculum. Obviously MCPS should only include books that every person is comfortable with. Unfortunately, there aren't any. Therefore, MCPS should not include any books in the curriculum.

Also, MCPS literally put out a press release about "these books". It's like people complaining at a meeting for public comment that the public does not have any opportunity to comment.

To say that there aren't any books that every person would be comfortable with is truly reaching. The biggest issue that I have is that MCPS has chosen to not allow parents to opt out of these books in the future nor are they going to be required to inform parents what the kids are reading.

Have you met people?

In the 15 years I have been a MCPS parent, MCPS has never notified me about the books my children would read in ELA, or allowed me to opt my children out of them. I have also never heard anybody complain about lack of notification or lack of opt-out. Now suddenly there's the possibility that it might be a book that has an LGBTQ character in it, and you're all in a panic.

And that's the issue. We need to know what students should be reading if they're going to start putting books that are contraversial. Let's not be dense and pretend like every book is. I don't have an issue with books that show LGBTQ characters. I don't have an issue with majority of the books but a book like, A Boy Named Penelope, I do. I have an issue in general with MCPS overstepping their role and teaching our kids how I should parent if one of my daughters came to me to tell me that they're a boy.

Here's the thing. You think books with queer characters are "controversial" but I don't. I think they are fine. We know that other parents in this country think books about the civil rights movement are "controversial" and have moved to remove even the most age-appropriate books from the curriculum or to require parental notification for kids to read "Ruby Bridges Goes to School."

The moment MCPS gives into people like you, the next step is going to be books about the (unfinished) struggle for racial equality in this country.

We can see those battles playing out around the country, and it's imperative that MCPS hold the line here because the transphobes act first but the racists are right behind them.

If MCPS gives in to notification and opt-out about books with LGBTQ characters in them, the next step is notification and opt-out about classrooms with LGBTQ people in them.

Oh, Lord. Please. A Boy Named Penelope is about how a girl transitioned to a boy and how their family handled it. You're reaching. If the book was just about a girl who identifies as a boy, won a karate championship, or a spelling bee, great, and who cares. But go ahead, call me a bigot.

I don't get it.

So here's Common Sense Media: "Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. But his family, friends, and teachers see him as a girl. He acts out to make them see, but only after a heart-to-heart with his mom can he start living as who he is and focusing on other goals, like perfecting his roundhouse kick in karate. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

and you're not ok with that, but you'd be ok with this?

"Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. Then he wins a karate championship and a spelling bee. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

Are you worried that your child will come out as transgender to you, and you'll be unsupportive, and they'll say, "But in A Boy Named Penelope, the mom was supportive, why aren't you supportive like the mom in that book?"?

I completely disagree with the way it was handled in the book. The girl told her mom, "I am a boy" and after this heart-to-heart conversation, the mom said, "Okay. We will make a plan to tell everyone you're a boy." Just like that. Easy peasy. This is a five-year-old. What this is teaching kids is that if you "feel" like the opposite gender, you can easily switch. This kid's reasons were literally, I don't want to be like mom- I want to be more like dad and I prefer skateboarding and baggy pants. The parents just went ahead and said ok, no problem. I understand not everyone will agree with me but one thing that I do know is that this book belongs at home to be discussed with parents, not at school where a teacher gets to tell kids (not their own) their opinion on this matter. And no, I'm not a Republican.

This is a book in the ELA curriculum. It is not a parenting guide. If your child comes to you and tells you they are transgender, you are free to handle it however you want. You don't have to handle it like the mother in the book.

I know that. But the fundamental issue I have with this book is that it's overstepping and misguides children into thinking that changing their gender is as easy as switching hobbies. If MCPS wants to proceed with including it as part of the ELA curriculum for elementary school kids, I would like to have the option to opt out of this one.. but yet, they won't allow it.

Does Treasure Island misguide children into thinking that it's easy to outwit pirates who kidnap you? Does Charlotte's Web misguide children into thinking spiders and pigs can talk? Does A Wrinkle In Time misguide children into thinking it's possible to fold the space-time continuum?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everything being posted in here is about fear. Fear that one day you might have to have an uncomfortable conversation with your child. Grow up people.

Oh please. Why are you fearful that some people don't agree with you? Why can't we have differing opinions about this? Why do you fear that some parents may want to opt out of this book?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Trans is not a social contagion. How unbelievably insulting. The fact is that things are more open right now so people feel more free to express themselves. Also why conservatives are targeting them because they are easy targets.

Yes, it's absolutely a social contagion, particularly for teen girls. Twenty years ago, you had maybe 1 in 10 lesbians and essentially zero trans or non-binary. Now you have zero lesbians, lots of trans, and many more NBs. And guess what, almost all of these girls are either depressed, anxious, or on the spectrum. They've been told by social media and activists that gender ID basically is the cause of and solution to all of their problems--and they get to join a social club to boot. It is a contagion--but it is one where if you go all the way, you ruin the rest of your life *medically*. Shouting down those who state these obvious facts as transphobes is your standard tactic, and it's worked til now (like calling anyone who doesn't support your beliefs a racist) but people are getting fed up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should always have a say in what their kids are learning. Ideally, their day can be to leave this crazy system but not vv everyone can afford that. Parents should be able to opt out of having their two and three year olds use a word search to find words like drag in story books being read to them.

https://www.fox5dc.com/news/3-montgomery-county-families-sue-mcps-over-lbtq-books.amp

Yup, I would have a big issue with this. I just read A Boy Named Penelope and I'm not comfortable with MCPS reading this book to my elementary school kid. The problem with MCPS not being transparent about these books is that parents won't have any idea what they're teaching our kids.

There were a lot of books I wasn't comfortable with MCPS including in the curriculum. Obviously MCPS should only include books that every person is comfortable with. Unfortunately, there aren't any. Therefore, MCPS should not include any books in the curriculum.

Also, MCPS literally put out a press release about "these books". It's like people complaining at a meeting for public comment that the public does not have any opportunity to comment.

To say that there aren't any books that every person would be comfortable with is truly reaching. The biggest issue that I have is that MCPS has chosen to not allow parents to opt out of these books in the future nor are they going to be required to inform parents what the kids are reading.

Have you met people?

In the 15 years I have been a MCPS parent, MCPS has never notified me about the books my children would read in ELA, or allowed me to opt my children out of them. I have also never heard anybody complain about lack of notification or lack of opt-out. Now suddenly there's the possibility that it might be a book that has an LGBTQ character in it, and you're all in a panic.

And that's the issue. We need to know what students should be reading if they're going to start putting books that are contraversial. Let's not be dense and pretend like every book is. I don't have an issue with books that show LGBTQ characters. I don't have an issue with majority of the books but a book like, A Boy Named Penelope, I do. I have an issue in general with MCPS overstepping their role and teaching our kids how I should parent if one of my daughters came to me to tell me that they're a boy.

Here's the thing. You think books with queer characters are "controversial" but I don't. I think they are fine. We know that other parents in this country think books about the civil rights movement are "controversial" and have moved to remove even the most age-appropriate books from the curriculum or to require parental notification for kids to read "Ruby Bridges Goes to School."

The moment MCPS gives into people like you, the next step is going to be books about the (unfinished) struggle for racial equality in this country.

We can see those battles playing out around the country, and it's imperative that MCPS hold the line here because the transphobes act first but the racists are right behind them.

If MCPS gives in to notification and opt-out about books with LGBTQ characters in them, the next step is notification and opt-out about classrooms with LGBTQ people in them.

Oh, Lord. Please. A Boy Named Penelope is about how a girl transitioned to a boy and how their family handled it. You're reaching. If the book was just about a girl who identifies as a boy, won a karate championship, or a spelling bee, great, and who cares. But go ahead, call me a bigot.

I don't get it.

So here's Common Sense Media: "Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. But his family, friends, and teachers see him as a girl. He acts out to make them see, but only after a heart-to-heart with his mom can he start living as who he is and focusing on other goals, like perfecting his roundhouse kick in karate. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

and you're not ok with that, but you'd be ok with this?

"Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. Then he wins a karate championship and a spelling bee. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

Are you worried that your child will come out as transgender to you, and you'll be unsupportive, and they'll say, "But in A Boy Named Penelope, the mom was supportive, why aren't you supportive like the mom in that book?"?

I completely disagree with the way it was handled in the book. The girl told her mom, "I am a boy" and after this heart-to-heart conversation, the mom said, "Okay. We will make a plan to tell everyone you're a boy." Just like that. Easy peasy. This is a five-year-old. What this is teaching kids is that if you "feel" like the opposite gender, you can easily switch. This kid's reasons were literally, I don't want to be like mom- I want to be more like dad and I prefer skateboarding and baggy pants. The parents just went ahead and said ok, no problem. I understand not everyone will agree with me but one thing that I do know is that this book belongs at home to be discussed with parents, not at school where a teacher gets to tell kids (not their own) their opinion on this matter. And no, I'm not a Republican.

This is a book in the ELA curriculum. It is not a parenting guide. If your child comes to you and tells you they are transgender, you are free to handle it however you want. You don't have to handle it like the mother in the book.

I know that. But the fundamental issue I have with this book is that it's overstepping and misguides children into thinking that changing their gender is as easy as switching hobbies. If MCPS wants to proceed with including it as part of the ELA curriculum for elementary school kids, I would like to have the option to opt out of this one.. but yet, they won't allow it.

Does Treasure Island misguide children into thinking that it's easy to outwit pirates who kidnap you? Does Charlotte's Web misguide children into thinking spiders and pigs can talk? Does A Wrinkle In Time misguide children into thinking it's possible to fold the space-time continuum?

So switching genders is a fantasy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should always have a say in what their kids are learning. Ideally, their day can be to leave this crazy system but not vv everyone can afford that. Parents should be able to opt out of having their two and three year olds use a word search to find words like drag in story books being read to them.

https://www.fox5dc.com/news/3-montgomery-county-families-sue-mcps-over-lbtq-books.amp

Yup, I would have a big issue with this. I just read A Boy Named Penelope and I'm not comfortable with MCPS reading this book to my elementary school kid. The problem with MCPS not being transparent about these books is that parents won't have any idea what they're teaching our kids.

There were a lot of books I wasn't comfortable with MCPS including in the curriculum. Obviously MCPS should only include books that every person is comfortable with. Unfortunately, there aren't any. Therefore, MCPS should not include any books in the curriculum.

Also, MCPS literally put out a press release about "these books". It's like people complaining at a meeting for public comment that the public does not have any opportunity to comment.

To say that there aren't any books that every person would be comfortable with is truly reaching. The biggest issue that I have is that MCPS has chosen to not allow parents to opt out of these books in the future nor are they going to be required to inform parents what the kids are reading.

Have you met people?

In the 15 years I have been a MCPS parent, MCPS has never notified me about the books my children would read in ELA, or allowed me to opt my children out of them. I have also never heard anybody complain about lack of notification or lack of opt-out. Now suddenly there's the possibility that it might be a book that has an LGBTQ character in it, and you're all in a panic.

And that's the issue. We need to know what students should be reading if they're going to start putting books that are contraversial. Let's not be dense and pretend like every book is. I don't have an issue with books that show LGBTQ characters. I don't have an issue with majority of the books but a book like, A Boy Named Penelope, I do. I have an issue in general with MCPS overstepping their role and teaching our kids how I should parent if one of my daughters came to me to tell me that they're a boy.

Here's the thing. You think books with queer characters are "controversial" but I don't. I think they are fine. We know that other parents in this country think books about the civil rights movement are "controversial" and have moved to remove even the most age-appropriate books from the curriculum or to require parental notification for kids to read "Ruby Bridges Goes to School."

The moment MCPS gives into people like you, the next step is going to be books about the (unfinished) struggle for racial equality in this country.

We can see those battles playing out around the country, and it's imperative that MCPS hold the line here because the transphobes act first but the racists are right behind them.

If MCPS gives in to notification and opt-out about books with LGBTQ characters in them, the next step is notification and opt-out about classrooms with LGBTQ people in them.

Oh, Lord. Please. A Boy Named Penelope is about how a girl transitioned to a boy and how their family handled it. You're reaching. If the book was just about a girl who identifies as a boy, won a karate championship, or a spelling bee, great, and who cares. But go ahead, call me a bigot.

I don't get it.

So here's Common Sense Media: "Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. But his family, friends, and teachers see him as a girl. He acts out to make them see, but only after a heart-to-heart with his mom can he start living as who he is and focusing on other goals, like perfecting his roundhouse kick in karate. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

and you're not ok with that, but you'd be ok with this?

"Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. Then he wins a karate championship and a spelling bee. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

Are you worried that your child will come out as transgender to you, and you'll be unsupportive, and they'll say, "But in A Boy Named Penelope, the mom was supportive, why aren't you supportive like the mom in that book?"?

I completely disagree with the way it was handled in the book. The girl told her mom, "I am a boy" and after this heart-to-heart conversation, the mom said, "Okay. We will make a plan to tell everyone you're a boy." Just like that. Easy peasy. This is a five-year-old. What this is teaching kids is that if you "feel" like the opposite gender, you can easily switch. This kid's reasons were literally, I don't want to be like mom- I want to be more like dad and I prefer skateboarding and baggy pants. The parents just went ahead and said ok, no problem. I understand not everyone will agree with me but one thing that I do know is that this book belongs at home to be discussed with parents, not at school where a teacher gets to tell kids (not their own) their opinion on this matter. And no, I'm not a Republican.

This is a book in the ELA curriculum. It is not a parenting guide. If your child comes to you and tells you they are transgender, you are free to handle it however you want. You don't have to handle it like the mother in the book.

I know that. But the fundamental issue I have with this book is that it's overstepping and misguides children into thinking that changing their gender is as easy as switching hobbies. If MCPS wants to proceed with including it as part of the ELA curriculum for elementary school kids, I would like to have the option to opt out of this one.. but yet, they won't allow it.

Does Treasure Island misguide children into thinking that it's easy to outwit pirates who kidnap you? Does Charlotte's Web misguide children into thinking spiders and pigs can talk? Does A Wrinkle In Time misguide children into thinking it's possible to fold the space-time continuum?

There is such a thing as a tesseract...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should always have a say in what their kids are learning. Ideally, their day can be to leave this crazy system but not vv everyone can afford that. Parents should be able to opt out of having their two and three year olds use a word search to find words like drag in story books being read to them.

https://www.fox5dc.com/news/3-montgomery-county-families-sue-mcps-over-lbtq-books.amp

Yup, I would have a big issue with this. I just read A Boy Named Penelope and I'm not comfortable with MCPS reading this book to my elementary school kid. The problem with MCPS not being transparent about these books is that parents won't have any idea what they're teaching our kids.

There were a lot of books I wasn't comfortable with MCPS including in the curriculum. Obviously MCPS should only include books that every person is comfortable with. Unfortunately, there aren't any. Therefore, MCPS should not include any books in the curriculum.

Also, MCPS literally put out a press release about "these books". It's like people complaining at a meeting for public comment that the public does not have any opportunity to comment.

To say that there aren't any books that every person would be comfortable with is truly reaching. The biggest issue that I have is that MCPS has chosen to not allow parents to opt out of these books in the future nor are they going to be required to inform parents what the kids are reading.

Have you met people?

In the 15 years I have been a MCPS parent, MCPS has never notified me about the books my children would read in ELA, or allowed me to opt my children out of them. I have also never heard anybody complain about lack of notification or lack of opt-out. Now suddenly there's the possibility that it might be a book that has an LGBTQ character in it, and you're all in a panic.

And that's the issue. We need to know what students should be reading if they're going to start putting books that are contraversial. Let's not be dense and pretend like every book is. I don't have an issue with books that show LGBTQ characters. I don't have an issue with majority of the books but a book like, A Boy Named Penelope, I do. I have an issue in general with MCPS overstepping their role and teaching our kids how I should parent if one of my daughters came to me to tell me that they're a boy.

Here's the thing. You think books with queer characters are "controversial" but I don't. I think they are fine. We know that other parents in this country think books about the civil rights movement are "controversial" and have moved to remove even the most age-appropriate books from the curriculum or to require parental notification for kids to read "Ruby Bridges Goes to School."

The moment MCPS gives into people like you, the next step is going to be books about the (unfinished) struggle for racial equality in this country.

We can see those battles playing out around the country, and it's imperative that MCPS hold the line here because the transphobes act first but the racists are right behind them.

If MCPS gives in to notification and opt-out about books with LGBTQ characters in them, the next step is notification and opt-out about classrooms with LGBTQ people in them.

Oh, Lord. Please. A Boy Named Penelope is about how a girl transitioned to a boy and how their family handled it. You're reaching. If the book was just about a girl who identifies as a boy, won a karate championship, or a spelling bee, great, and who cares. But go ahead, call me a bigot.

I don't get it.

So here's Common Sense Media: "Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. But his family, friends, and teachers see him as a girl. He acts out to make them see, but only after a heart-to-heart with his mom can he start living as who he is and focusing on other goals, like perfecting his roundhouse kick in karate. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

and you're not ok with that, but you'd be ok with this?

"Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. Then he wins a karate championship and a spelling bee. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

Are you worried that your child will come out as transgender to you, and you'll be unsupportive, and they'll say, "But in A Boy Named Penelope, the mom was supportive, why aren't you supportive like the mom in that book?"?

I completely disagree with the way it was handled in the book. The girl told her mom, "I am a boy" and after this heart-to-heart conversation, the mom said, "Okay. We will make a plan to tell everyone you're a boy." Just like that. Easy peasy. This is a five-year-old. What this is teaching kids is that if you "feel" like the opposite gender, you can easily switch. This kid's reasons were literally, I don't want to be like mom- I want to be more like dad and I prefer skateboarding and baggy pants. The parents just went ahead and said ok, no problem. I understand not everyone will agree with me but one thing that I do know is that this book belongs at home to be discussed with parents, not at school where a teacher gets to tell kids (not their own) their opinion on this matter. And no, I'm not a Republican.

This is a book in the ELA curriculum. It is not a parenting guide. If your child comes to you and tells you they are transgender, you are free to handle it however you want. You don't have to handle it like the mother in the book.

I know that. But the fundamental issue I have with this book is that it's overstepping and misguides children into thinking that changing their gender is as easy as switching hobbies. If MCPS wants to proceed with including it as part of the ELA curriculum for elementary school kids, I would like to have the option to opt out of this one.. but yet, they won't allow it.

Does Treasure Island misguide children into thinking that it's easy to outwit pirates who kidnap you? Does Charlotte's Web misguide children into thinking spiders and pigs can talk? Does A Wrinkle In Time misguide children into thinking it's possible to fold the space-time continuum?

So switching genders is a fantasy?

LMAO! You caught them in their own logical fallacy. Got 'em!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should always have a say in what their kids are learning. Ideally, their day can be to leave this crazy system but not vv everyone can afford that. Parents should be able to opt out of having their two and three year olds use a word search to find words like drag in story books being read to them.

https://www.fox5dc.com/news/3-montgomery-county-families-sue-mcps-over-lbtq-books.amp

Yup, I would have a big issue with this. I just read A Boy Named Penelope and I'm not comfortable with MCPS reading this book to my elementary school kid. The problem with MCPS not being transparent about these books is that parents won't have any idea what they're teaching our kids.

There were a lot of books I wasn't comfortable with MCPS including in the curriculum. Obviously MCPS should only include books that every person is comfortable with. Unfortunately, there aren't any. Therefore, MCPS should not include any books in the curriculum.

Also, MCPS literally put out a press release about "these books". It's like people complaining at a meeting for public comment that the public does not have any opportunity to comment.

To say that there aren't any books that every person would be comfortable with is truly reaching. The biggest issue that I have is that MCPS has chosen to not allow parents to opt out of these books in the future nor are they going to be required to inform parents what the kids are reading.

Have you met people?

In the 15 years I have been a MCPS parent, MCPS has never notified me about the books my children would read in ELA, or allowed me to opt my children out of them. I have also never heard anybody complain about lack of notification or lack of opt-out. Now suddenly there's the possibility that it might be a book that has an LGBTQ character in it, and you're all in a panic.

And that's the issue. We need to know what students should be reading if they're going to start putting books that are contraversial. Let's not be dense and pretend like every book is. I don't have an issue with books that show LGBTQ characters. I don't have an issue with majority of the books but a book like, A Boy Named Penelope, I do. I have an issue in general with MCPS overstepping their role and teaching our kids how I should parent if one of my daughters came to me to tell me that they're a boy.

Here's the thing. You think books with queer characters are "controversial" but I don't. I think they are fine. We know that other parents in this country think books about the civil rights movement are "controversial" and have moved to remove even the most age-appropriate books from the curriculum or to require parental notification for kids to read "Ruby Bridges Goes to School."

The moment MCPS gives into people like you, the next step is going to be books about the (unfinished) struggle for racial equality in this country.

We can see those battles playing out around the country, and it's imperative that MCPS hold the line here because the transphobes act first but the racists are right behind them.

If MCPS gives in to notification and opt-out about books with LGBTQ characters in them, the next step is notification and opt-out about classrooms with LGBTQ people in them.

Oh, Lord. Please. A Boy Named Penelope is about how a girl transitioned to a boy and how their family handled it. You're reaching. If the book was just about a girl who identifies as a boy, won a karate championship, or a spelling bee, great, and who cares. But go ahead, call me a bigot.

I don't get it.

So here's Common Sense Media: "Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. But his family, friends, and teachers see him as a girl. He acts out to make them see, but only after a heart-to-heart with his mom can he start living as who he is and focusing on other goals, like perfecting his roundhouse kick in karate. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

and you're not ok with that, but you'd be ok with this?

"Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. Then he wins a karate championship and a spelling bee. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

Are you worried that your child will come out as transgender to you, and you'll be unsupportive, and they'll say, "But in A Boy Named Penelope, the mom was supportive, why aren't you supportive like the mom in that book?"?

I completely disagree with the way it was handled in the book. The girl told her mom, "I am a boy" and after this heart-to-heart conversation, the mom said, "Okay. We will make a plan to tell everyone you're a boy." Just like that. Easy peasy. This is a five-year-old. What this is teaching kids is that if you "feel" like the opposite gender, you can easily switch. This kid's reasons were literally, I don't want to be like mom- I want to be more like dad and I prefer skateboarding and baggy pants. The parents just went ahead and said ok, no problem. I understand not everyone will agree with me but one thing that I do know is that this book belongs at home to be discussed with parents, not at school where a teacher gets to tell kids (not their own) their opinion on this matter. And no, I'm not a Republican.

This is a book in the ELA curriculum. It is not a parenting guide. If your child comes to you and tells you they are transgender, you are free to handle it however you want. You don't have to handle it like the mother in the book.

I know that. But the fundamental issue I have with this book is that it's overstepping and misguides children into thinking that changing their gender is as easy as switching hobbies. If MCPS wants to proceed with including it as part of the ELA curriculum for elementary school kids, I would like to have the option to opt out of this one.. but yet, they won't allow it.

Does Treasure Island misguide children into thinking that it's easy to outwit pirates who kidnap you? Does Charlotte's Web misguide children into thinking spiders and pigs can talk? Does A Wrinkle In Time misguide children into thinking it's possible to fold the space-time continuum?

So switching genders is a fantasy?

Does Anne of Green Gables misguide children into thinking they live on Prince Edward Island? Does Sarah Plain And Tall misguide children into thinking all stepmothers come via mail-order? Does Matilda misguide children into thinking all principals are hateful sadists? I can do this all day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everything being posted in here is about fear. Fear that one day you might have to have an uncomfortable conversation with your child. Grow up people.

Oh please. Why are you fearful that some people don't agree with you? Why can't we have differing opinions about this? Why do you fear that some parents may want to opt out of this book?

DP. Of course you can have your own opinion about this. Who has said you can't? Have your opinion all you want. Likewise, I can have my opinion about your opinion, namely that your opinion is based on fear and/or hate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everything being posted in here is about fear. Fear that one day you might have to have an uncomfortable conversation with your child. Grow up people.

Oh please. Why are you fearful that some people don't agree with you? Why can't we have differing opinions about this? Why do you fear that some parents may want to opt out of this book?

DP. Of course you can have your own opinion about this. Who has said you can't? Have your opinion all you want. Likewise, I can have my opinion about your opinion, namely that your opinion is based on fear and/or hate.

And you might be shocked to hear this, but I don't care what you think. I just want the option to opt out like the rest of the counties in this state.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should always have a say in what their kids are learning. Ideally, their day can be to leave this crazy system but not vv everyone can afford that. Parents should be able to opt out of having their two and three year olds use a word search to find words like drag in story books being read to them.

https://www.fox5dc.com/news/3-montgomery-county-families-sue-mcps-over-lbtq-books.amp

Yup, I would have a big issue with this. I just read A Boy Named Penelope and I'm not comfortable with MCPS reading this book to my elementary school kid. The problem with MCPS not being transparent about these books is that parents won't have any idea what they're teaching our kids.

There were a lot of books I wasn't comfortable with MCPS including in the curriculum. Obviously MCPS should only include books that every person is comfortable with. Unfortunately, there aren't any. Therefore, MCPS should not include any books in the curriculum.

Also, MCPS literally put out a press release about "these books". It's like people complaining at a meeting for public comment that the public does not have any opportunity to comment.

To say that there aren't any books that every person would be comfortable with is truly reaching. The biggest issue that I have is that MCPS has chosen to not allow parents to opt out of these books in the future nor are they going to be required to inform parents what the kids are reading.

Have you met people?

In the 15 years I have been a MCPS parent, MCPS has never notified me about the books my children would read in ELA, or allowed me to opt my children out of them. I have also never heard anybody complain about lack of notification or lack of opt-out. Now suddenly there's the possibility that it might be a book that has an LGBTQ character in it, and you're all in a panic.

And that's the issue. We need to know what students should be reading if they're going to start putting books that are contraversial. Let's not be dense and pretend like every book is. I don't have an issue with books that show LGBTQ characters. I don't have an issue with majority of the books but a book like, A Boy Named Penelope, I do. I have an issue in general with MCPS overstepping their role and teaching our kids how I should parent if one of my daughters came to me to tell me that they're a boy.

Here's the thing. You think books with queer characters are "controversial" but I don't. I think they are fine. We know that other parents in this country think books about the civil rights movement are "controversial" and have moved to remove even the most age-appropriate books from the curriculum or to require parental notification for kids to read "Ruby Bridges Goes to School."

The moment MCPS gives into people like you, the next step is going to be books about the (unfinished) struggle for racial equality in this country.

We can see those battles playing out around the country, and it's imperative that MCPS hold the line here because the transphobes act first but the racists are right behind them.

If MCPS gives in to notification and opt-out about books with LGBTQ characters in them, the next step is notification and opt-out about classrooms with LGBTQ people in them.

Oh, Lord. Please. A Boy Named Penelope is about how a girl transitioned to a boy and how their family handled it. You're reaching. If the book was just about a girl who identifies as a boy, won a karate championship, or a spelling bee, great, and who cares. But go ahead, call me a bigot.

I don't get it.

So here's Common Sense Media: "Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. But his family, friends, and teachers see him as a girl. He acts out to make them see, but only after a heart-to-heart with his mom can he start living as who he is and focusing on other goals, like perfecting his roundhouse kick in karate. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

and you're not ok with that, but you'd be ok with this?

"Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. Then he wins a karate championship and a spelling bee. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

Are you worried that your child will come out as transgender to you, and you'll be unsupportive, and they'll say, "But in A Boy Named Penelope, the mom was supportive, why aren't you supportive like the mom in that book?"?

I completely disagree with the way it was handled in the book. The girl told her mom, "I am a boy" and after this heart-to-heart conversation, the mom said, "Okay. We will make a plan to tell everyone you're a boy." Just like that. Easy peasy. This is a five-year-old. What this is teaching kids is that if you "feel" like the opposite gender, you can easily switch. This kid's reasons were literally, I don't want to be like mom- I want to be more like dad and I prefer skateboarding and baggy pants. The parents just went ahead and said ok, no problem. I understand not everyone will agree with me but one thing that I do know is that this book belongs at home to be discussed with parents, not at school where a teacher gets to tell kids (not their own) their opinion on this matter. And no, I'm not a Republican.

This is a book in the ELA curriculum. It is not a parenting guide. If your child comes to you and tells you they are transgender, you are free to handle it however you want. You don't have to handle it like the mother in the book.

I know that. But the fundamental issue I have with this book is that it's overstepping and misguides children into thinking that changing their gender is as easy as switching hobbies. If MCPS wants to proceed with including it as part of the ELA curriculum for elementary school kids, I would like to have the option to opt out of this one.. but yet, they won't allow it.

Does Treasure Island misguide children into thinking that it's easy to outwit pirates who kidnap you? Does Charlotte's Web misguide children into thinking spiders and pigs can talk? Does A Wrinkle In Time misguide children into thinking it's possible to fold the space-time continuum?

So switching genders is a fantasy?

Does Anne of Green Gables misguide children into thinking they live on Prince Edward Island? Does Sarah Plain And Tall misguide children into thinking all stepmothers come via mail-order? Does Matilda misguide children into thinking all principals are hateful sadists? I can do this all day.

Feel free to do so, but your comparisons are irrelevant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everything being posted in here is about fear. Fear that one day you might have to have an uncomfortable conversation with your child. Grow up people.

Oh please. Why are you fearful that some people don't agree with you? Why can't we have differing opinions about this? Why do you fear that some parents may want to opt out of this book?

DP. Of course you can have your own opinion about this. Who has said you can't? Have your opinion all you want. Likewise, I can have my opinion about your opinion, namely that your opinion is based on fear and/or hate.

And you might be shocked to hear this, but I don't care what you think. I just want the option to opt out like the rest of the counties in this state.

You can want it, but you are unlikely to get it, unless you move to one of those counties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everything being posted in here is about fear. Fear that one day you might have to have an uncomfortable conversation with your child. Grow up people.

Oh please. Why are you fearful that some people don't agree with you? Why can't we have differing opinions about this? Why do you fear that some parents may want to opt out of this book?

I don't feel the school should be catering to bigots.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents should always have a say in what their kids are learning. Ideally, their day can be to leave this crazy system but not vv everyone can afford that. Parents should be able to opt out of having their two and three year olds use a word search to find words like drag in story books being read to them.

https://www.fox5dc.com/news/3-montgomery-county-families-sue-mcps-over-lbtq-books.amp

Yup, I would have a big issue with this. I just read A Boy Named Penelope and I'm not comfortable with MCPS reading this book to my elementary school kid. The problem with MCPS not being transparent about these books is that parents won't have any idea what they're teaching our kids.

There were a lot of books I wasn't comfortable with MCPS including in the curriculum. Obviously MCPS should only include books that every person is comfortable with. Unfortunately, there aren't any. Therefore, MCPS should not include any books in the curriculum.

Also, MCPS literally put out a press release about "these books". It's like people complaining at a meeting for public comment that the public does not have any opportunity to comment.

To say that there aren't any books that every person would be comfortable with is truly reaching. The biggest issue that I have is that MCPS has chosen to not allow parents to opt out of these books in the future nor are they going to be required to inform parents what the kids are reading.

Have you met people?

In the 15 years I have been a MCPS parent, MCPS has never notified me about the books my children would read in ELA, or allowed me to opt my children out of them. I have also never heard anybody complain about lack of notification or lack of opt-out. Now suddenly there's the possibility that it might be a book that has an LGBTQ character in it, and you're all in a panic.

And that's the issue. We need to know what students should be reading if they're going to start putting books that are contraversial. Let's not be dense and pretend like every book is. I don't have an issue with books that show LGBTQ characters. I don't have an issue with majority of the books but a book like, A Boy Named Penelope, I do. I have an issue in general with MCPS overstepping their role and teaching our kids how I should parent if one of my daughters came to me to tell me that they're a boy.

Here's the thing. You think books with queer characters are "controversial" but I don't. I think they are fine. We know that other parents in this country think books about the civil rights movement are "controversial" and have moved to remove even the most age-appropriate books from the curriculum or to require parental notification for kids to read "Ruby Bridges Goes to School."

The moment MCPS gives into people like you, the next step is going to be books about the (unfinished) struggle for racial equality in this country.

We can see those battles playing out around the country, and it's imperative that MCPS hold the line here because the transphobes act first but the racists are right behind them.

If MCPS gives in to notification and opt-out about books with LGBTQ characters in them, the next step is notification and opt-out about classrooms with LGBTQ people in them.

Oh, Lord. Please. A Boy Named Penelope is about how a girl transitioned to a boy and how their family handled it. You're reaching. If the book was just about a girl who identifies as a boy, won a karate championship, or a spelling bee, great, and who cares. But go ahead, call me a bigot.

I don't get it.

So here's Common Sense Media: "Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. But his family, friends, and teachers see him as a girl. He acts out to make them see, but only after a heart-to-heart with his mom can he start living as who he is and focusing on other goals, like perfecting his roundhouse kick in karate. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

and you're not ok with that, but you'd be ok with this?

"Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. Then he wins a karate championship and a spelling bee. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults."

Are you worried that your child will come out as transgender to you, and you'll be unsupportive, and they'll say, "But in A Boy Named Penelope, the mom was supportive, why aren't you supportive like the mom in that book?"?

I completely disagree with the way it was handled in the book. The girl told her mom, "I am a boy" and after this heart-to-heart conversation, the mom said, "Okay. We will make a plan to tell everyone you're a boy." Just like that. Easy peasy. This is a five-year-old. What this is teaching kids is that if you "feel" like the opposite gender, you can easily switch. This kid's reasons were literally, I don't want to be like mom- I want to be more like dad and I prefer skateboarding and baggy pants. The parents just went ahead and said ok, no problem. I understand not everyone will agree with me but one thing that I do know is that this book belongs at home to be discussed with parents, not at school where a teacher gets to tell kids (not their own) their opinion on this matter. And no, I'm not a Republican.

This is a book in the ELA curriculum. It is not a parenting guide. If your child comes to you and tells you they are transgender, you are free to handle it however you want. You don't have to handle it like the mother in the book.

I know that. But the fundamental issue I have with this book is that it's overstepping and misguides children into thinking that changing their gender is as easy as switching hobbies. If MCPS wants to proceed with including it as part of the ELA curriculum for elementary school kids, I would like to have the option to opt out of this one.. but yet, they won't allow it.

Does Treasure Island misguide children into thinking that it's easy to outwit pirates who kidnap you? Does Charlotte's Web misguide children into thinking spiders and pigs can talk? Does A Wrinkle In Time misguide children into thinking it's possible to fold the space-time continuum?

Do any of the books on the MCPS list treat transgender issues as pure fantasies? How would you react if they did?

Your comparison does a disservice to the cause by equating gender identity to fantasies. That’s what the other side does.