Mar 24, 2023

Salina events planned for Trans Visibility Day March 31

Posted Mar 24, 2023 8:36 PM
Image courtesy North Central Kansas Pride
Image courtesy North Central Kansas Pride

By SALINA POST

On March 31, Trans Visibility Day, demonstrations are planned across the nation, including in Salina, in support of transgender people.

"Nationwide, lawmakers, persuaded by Anti-Transgender bias are creating hurtful legislation," North Central Kansas Pride noted in a news release.

In Salina, the group, in conjunction with Mia Dennett, are organizing several events on Friday.

"As always, NCKP invites the public to these peaceful protests. It's asked participants show a little early with signs and messages of support. People are welcome to share their stories," North Central Kansas Pride noted.

A Die at City Hall event is planned from noon to 1 p.m. at the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. Persons participating will act as though they are dead to represent "fatalities these laws cause," according to North Central Kansas Pride.

Additionally, walk-outs are planned for both Salina South High School and Salina Central High School from noon to 1 p.m. Friday outside each school's main office. During the walkouts, students at both schools are "invited to stand in support for their young peers struggling with identity and acceptance," according to the news release.

Salina Post reached out to Salina USD 305 concerning the school walk-outs and received the following statement.

USD 305’s goal is to ensure all students feel respected, valued, and validated. In fact, part of our mission is to promote belonging in our schools, for all students, staff and families.

It is our intention for students to remain in a structured learning environment during the school day. Policies exist to maintain an orderly school environment and keep students safe.

We support students’ constitutional rights and understand students do not shed these rights at the school door. Clearly, teaching students to understand and advocate for their civil rights is a central part of education. We want to allow students to exercise their free speech rights; in this instance the location and timing are the concern.

If we authorize a group to formally stage activities on USD 305 property during the school day, we are obligated by law to allow that same access to any other group. This is outlined in federal law as the Equal Access Act. It would be irresponsible for us to adopt a position that would require allowing access at any time to all who want it, regardless of content.

Additionally, unexcused absences have consequences. Per policy, any time a student leaves during the school day without permission, the student receives an unexcused absence. A protest during the school day where students walk out of the classroom is a disruption to learning and may result in students being ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities.

If students wish to participate in community-wide events that are occurring off school property and parents are supportive, parents have the option to call the school and excuse their student to participate in the off-site event. That experience would allow students to exercise their free speech rights in a way that joins the community-wide effort to advocate for a cause.