Liz Truss leads backlash to schools trans guidance

The government’s guidance for schools on transgender pupils was finally published this morning – prompting an immediate backlash which demonstrated why it had been delayed so many times. For years, with increasing numbers of pupils questioning their gender, ministers have grappled with the thorny issue of whether children ought to be allowed to ‘socially transition’. This involves them choosing their preferred pronouns, names and type of uniform while at school.

The guidance from the Department for Education today clarifies that teachers in England ‘do not have to and should not’ accept all requests for ‘social transition’. When a school considers a request, they should ‘take a very cautious approach’, with parents ‘fully consulted’ before any decision is taken. It also makes clear that teachers and pupils should not be pressured to adopt a child’s chosen pronouns – and should not be punished if they get them wrong.