Near the end of September, CCSD blocked the Chrome extension “Deadname Blocker,” which removes the deadname (birth name of a transgender individual) from the students’ view on Google Meets and Canvas. The extension allowed students to use the name the students currently use. Nowhere did this extension change the teacher’s or peers’ view where it would affect grading or attendance in any way. This extension is a personal grievance to lose for transgender individuals, with many saying it shows that CCSD cares little for the comfort of students.
“It’s unfair and hurts trans kids that we have to see our deadnames during our classes every day, and for some, this extension was the only way to avoid that. Now that it’s blocked anybody who isn’t safe being outed by the school has to see their dead name every day.” Val Hamilton, IB sophomore said
CCSD’s rules for changing names in school systems have not been the most trans-friendly. Among the limited options are having the ability to add your name in parentheses in Infinite Campus, which is only seen on attendance forms. CCSD offers no way to change a student’s Google email address, which typically includes the student’s first name. A few years ago, CCSD began allowing transgender students to use the bathroom that matched their gender. This, being a big step for some, is only the bare minimum for trans students. Comfort and productivity should be CCSD’s number one goal, and allowing students to use the bathroom is not a big step, but rather one that should be obvious. In 2017, CCSD began “recommending” gender diversity policies, essentially claiming that students have a right to be trans, and teachers need to acknowledge that our existence is allowed.
“Teacher’s misgendered me all the time, even though I told them I was a boy multiple times, I got harassed in the locker room and the teachers did nothing and said ‘you have no evidence so we cannot do anything.’” Junior Levi Chute said.
Because we are online, comfort with trans identities is made easier, yet it is also more difficult. The Deadname Blocker extension was just a small, relieving aid for trans students, keeping them from being blasted with the wrong name and being forced to live with that discomfort. Because, with online school, there is no writing in your name, you are automatically known by the deadname that is in the school system, allowing no escape or relief for trans students.
CCSD’s lack of consideration when blocking extensions is a prime example of their behavior toward LGBT students over the years. With the laziness and the bare minimum that has been provided to students, especially trans students. It is easily seen that CCSD’S number one priority has never been the students and always been the grades.
