Some parents at a middle school in Missouri have expressed objection after a survey from the state Department of Mental Health asked students about their so-called “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” The Missouri Student Survey, also known as the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Survey, is sent to schools every other year to understand the issues that students face, from bullying to drug use to suicide. Children grades 6-12 complete the survey,
and are informed that they may leave any questions blank that make them feel uncomfortable. This year, the survey also asked students about whether they consider themselves to be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or “other,” and if they identify as transgender. It stated that the questions were being asked to “better understand the health and healthcare needs of people with different sexual orientations.” “Do you consider yourself to be transgender? READ MORE
