When we say the name National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), what is the first thing you think of? Probably astronomy or chemistry. Well, what about “queering” your kid’s classroom? That’s what they apparently think is important these days.
More specifically, the NTSA gave a seminar on how to “Queer Your Classroom: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students” on April 2. The presentation was billed as telling teachers about “simple tricks and strategies to affirm and represent queer students” who are “marginalized in science”.
The event was lead by queer Bronx High School of Science chemistry teacher Jamie Kubiak. Kubiak instructed teachers on GLEN “Gender Triangle Education Guide”, which is made up of gender attribution, gender identity and gender expression. The guide focuses on the misconception that gender and sex are the same thing.
“In my chemistry class, I’ve infused talking about gender and sexuality even when it doesn’t seem like it would ‘fit’ or that there would be time,” Kubiak’s slideshow states. “When we talk about the electromagnetic spectrum, I connect the word ‘spectrum’ to how gender and sexuality can be a spectrum so that students can understand that there can be two ends but that values are possible in between.”
In his presentation, Kubiak called for the removal of gender specific terminologies like Prom King and Homecoming Queen in favor of more gender neutral terms so that queer students will feel more comfortable and accepted, presumably somehow in science.
Teachers are also instructed on the importance of asking each student’s gender identity instead of simply “assuming gender identity and misgendering with incorrect pronouns” and use terms like “everyone” or “you all” to avoid saying “guys” or “girls” which may be offensive.
But the lessons didn’t stop there. Kubiak also suggested gender neutral dress codes and bathrooms and avoiding celebrating gender reaffirming holidays like Mothers Day to help stop “discrimination” against students who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Now, we aren’t scientists here at Next News, but if we remember correctly from 8th grade biology or 10th grade physics, prom and Mothers Day aren’t really science. Do you think they NTSA is overstepping their duties by pushing this on teachers?
