The largest school district in Maryland saw a 582% increase in the number of students identifying as non-binary over two years, according to a district official.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) collects this information by giving an intake form to students to fill out at the beginning of every school year. The form asks students for their “identified name,” “identified gender” and their preferred pronouns, KUTV reports.
According to the outlet, the form also asks students if their parents or guardians are aware of their recognized gender and asks students to rank on a scale of 1 to 10 their parents’ level of support. The form notes that parents and guardians should only be involved in the completion of the form if they are aware and supportive of the child’s gender identity.
KUTV reports three years ago only 35 MCPS students, the majority in middle school, indicated they were non-binary. But those numbers have drastically climbed. The data collected from the 423 forms that have been submitted over the last four years reveal that 45% of those students now identify as non-binary. It also shows that most students say their parents or guardians are supportive, with 55% giving them a score of 8-10.
A review by grade level shows most of the MCPS middle school students say they are non-binary, according to the outlet. A study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in 2018 reveals that for most children growing up with gender dysphoria, whether it will persist or desist is typically determined between ages 10 and 13.
An amazing kickoff event for the first in-person MCPS Pride ALLiance meeting! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ QO was proud to host this opportunity to share glows and grows for LGBTQ+ students and staff #allmeansall #equityandinclusion #representationmatters @QOHSPrin_Thomas @mcpsequityteam @mcps_lgbtq pic.twitter.com/LPKdVhN82V
— Elicia Eberhart-Bliss (@QOActingAP) October 7, 2022
In a Pride Alliance Student Survey link on the district’s website, students are asked for their gender identity and sexual orientation, and whether or not they feel comfortable with either. The survey also asks students to “describe the vibe towards the LGBTQIA+ community” in their respective school.
MCPS principals are instructed to work with non-binary students and their family to “develop a plan to ensure that the student has equal access and equal opportunity” and be “protected from gender-based discrimination at school.” The National Desk (TND) reached out to MCPS for comment on these numbers, but did not receive an immediate reply. This story will be updated if a response is received.
