Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Spring Hill Board of Education to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.

Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to the Spring Hill community.

Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.

Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:

Transgender students: There has been much scrutiny in recent years on schools’ policies regarding transgender students. As a school board member, it’s partly your job to set policies that guide how schools accommodate all students. Do you support or oppose policies that allow transgender students to express their gender identity at school, specifically ones that may allow them to use their chosen pronouns or use a bathroom different from the gender they were assigned at birth?

Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:

Member 4

Autumn Coleman-Marconett

I truthfully don’t understand why we must push this rhetoric so intently. I feel like we are thrusting upon our children more than they’re even asking the questions to. For pronouns specifically, I believe that it’s whatever the student wants. If we were to go off the idea that genders are assigned at birth, ok. Then so are people’s names. They didn’t get to decide what their name would be on their birth certificate. So us, doing the common courtesy and referring to them by their preferred name might as well be the same for their pronouns. I also feel that if someone is uncomfortable referring to them by their preferred pronoun, simply call them by their name. I don’t believe that this topic needs to really be a discussion. It doesn’t change the delivery of education. 1 + 1 still equals 2 and teaching the differences between their, they’re, and there have nothing to do with a student wanting to be preferred to as they/them. But again, pushing this rhetoric out into the open without student’s opinions and requests is really putting the carriage before the horse. Also, if a student requests they be referred to by a specific pronoun, I believe that the family has a right to know (if they didn’t already). As these are still minors in the eyes of the law. But we are simply here to ensure the community is represented. We are not the law and we are not the judge and jury. I just don’t believe that we should be convoluting the innocence of childhood and the hypocrisy of adulthood unless a child asks an honest question. Or makes an honest request for change. Just because science says “don’t baby and believe they are smarter than we think”, doesn’t mean we need to open Pandora’s box and tell them “good luck”. Just being respectful of people no matter age, race, gender, background etc. would be enough.

Nicole Melius (incumbent)

Did not provide the Post with a response.

Member 5

Steve Miller

I strongly support treating every person as a human being, with dignity, equality and kindness. That extends to all people no matter their race, religion, creed or orientation. I believe the school board is responsible for developing policy that provides a safe environment for each and every student in the district.

Chris Olsen

Did not provide the Post with a response.

Member 6

Ted Beauchamp

USD 230’s policy manual currently states, “The District strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against students, employees, or others on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex/gender (to include orientation, identity or expression), age, disability, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law. Any form of discrimination or harassment toward any person associated with the District, regardless of where the conduct occurs, is a violation of this policy. The District also strictly prohibits retaliatory actions against those who engage in protected activities.” [Emphasis mine]

I will steadfastly support this policy as written. Our schools must be welcoming places where all students feel safe and are free from bullying and harassment. Students learn best when they feel safe and comfortable. This policy, like all of them, must be balanced with the rights and privacy of every individual.

Student success should be the heart of a mission and vision. Our district’s values include a commitment to openness, inclusion, and student-centered decision-making. I embrace these concepts, but most importantly, I embrace the Platinum Rule to do unto others as they would want done to them.

Keith Ewing (incumbent)

Did not provide the Post with a response.