Lincolnwood Elementary School Sets Up New Confidential LGBTQ Group for 5th Graders

Illinois, U.S. – Lincolnwood Elementary School, a District 65 School in Illinois, on Monday sent a newsletter to parents informing them of a new confidential LGBTQ group for 5th graders who are “questioning their gender and sexual identity.” If parents don’t opt out, they will NOT be told if their child joins the group.

Moira Gitau, a self-described “they/them,” is the teacher responsible for running the group.

The newsletter titled ‘New LGBTQ+ Affinity Group’, reads: “Starting next week, Moira Gitau will be offering a safe space for 5th grade students that may be questioning their gender or sexual identity.

“This will be an anonymous group that students will agree to keep confidential to participate.

“Students will have the opportunity to ask questions or discuss matters that are important to them as well as just hang out and play games.

“This group will meet weekly during the 5th grade lunch/recess time. If a student chooses to join the group, you will NOT be informed. This is part of the confidentiality of the group. Because of this, we are giving you the opportunity to opt your child out of participating.

“If you let us know by January 12th, that you do NOT want your child to participate in this group, we will make sure they are not attending these meetings.”

Converseer reports that Lincolnwood Elementary School, just like all District 65 schools is expected to seeing students back to school on January 7, 2025.

District 65 schools have gender support plans for pupils. According to the school, the plans offer support for transgender and gender expansive students.

“The District has adopted procedures for student gender support related to Board Policy 7:10 – Equal Educational Opportunities. In furthering our commitment to fostering a learning environment open to all students, free of any sort of discrimination or harassment, District 65 has adopted a set of procedures to promote inclusive learning environments for its transgender and gender expansive students,” a statement from it website read.

Procedures include the development of an individualized Gender Support Plan for students upon request. The Gender Support Plan will address the student’s needs concerning:

Access to restrooms and other gender-segregated spaces

1. Transgender and gender expansive students shall have access to gendered facilities and programs that are consistent with their gender identity.

Names, pronouns, and gender markers

1. Students shall be referred to by a name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity by all school staff and students.
2. Court-ordered or medical/psychological documentation is not required to change a student’s name or gender marker with the District.

Confidentiality

1. Student’s transgender identity will only be disclosed to those authorized by the student or their parent(s)/guardian(s).
2. In some cases, transgender students may feel more supported if other students are aware that they are transgender. The District will work closely with the student and their family to plan how to educate peers.

Other aspects that may arise, such as school trips, health education, etc.

Gender Support Teams

A district-wide Gender Support Team will oversee the implementation of these procedures. The Gender Support Team will have a representative School Coordinator from each school, typically a social worker. The Gender Support Team and School Coordinator can develop an individualized Gender Support Plan for students upon request.

The Gender Support Team is tasked with ensuring all District staff are aware of the procedures and understand the different aspects of the Gender Support Plan.

Educators and staff will make their best efforts not to segregate students by gender in any of their practices or activities. If students are subjected to a gender-specific practice, students shall participate in a way that is consistent with their gender identity.

Schools must be vigilant for any mistreatment, bullying, or harassment based on gender identity for all its students, and especially transgender and gender expansive students. Schools must respond promptly to any allegations of mistreatment and must also work to prevent these issues.

School Coordinators