WUI (Writing under the influence)

...they would be in a different school in 5 minutes.

A very disturbing piece should make many parents with children in public schools think if they really don't want any choice in education.

Transfer denied for kids taught by transsexual

Batavia school district refuses to grant requests of five parents


The Associated Press


(September 7, 2006) -- BATAVIA -- Five parents who asked to transfer their children out of Batavia High School classes with a transsexual teacher have been denied, according to Batavia district Superintendent Richard Stutzman Jr.

The written requests did not meet the guidelines set by the district, Stutzman said, without saying how.

"That's all between the school, the teacher, the parents," he said.

Other students were allowed to adjust their schedules because their requests were based on changes in their academic programs, Stutzman said.

Classes began Wednesday.

The science teacher has been with the district for seven to eight years and is now living as a woman to prepare for sex reassignment surgery, Stutzman said.

Diagnosed with a transsexual disorder, the teacher is still going through a medical transition but returned to school dressed as a woman -- and addressed as a female.

The teacher has about 100 students this year and was expected to make a "brief statement" at the start of class, then proceed with teaching, the superintendent said.

Among several students heading to school Wednesday, some said the situation was weird or awkward; others said they didn't have a problem with it.

"If he wants to do it, then that's him," said senior Carissa Visalli, 17.

The district has held informational meetings about the teacher for staff members and parents.

Of course, some parents don't have enough money -- or at least they think they don't -- to transfer their children out of government schools. This is why vouchers and eventually completely privately run schools are so important.