A teacher in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools has declared she will continue to use students' preferred names and pronouns, even as the district confronts a federal investigation into its policies regarding gender identity. The teacher, Courtney Richardson, stated on social media that her actions are aimed at creating a safe environment for all students.
"I am a PROUD 🌈 ally in all of the spaces that I am in," Richardson wrote in a Facebook post. "If your child was born Nicole, and one day they ask me to call them Nick so they feel more comfortable, then I am going to call them Nick and keep it moving. That is not indoctrination. That is a teacher being a safe place for ALL kids. Period."
Richardson, who appears to be a science teacher at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools according to the district's website, questioned the focus on pronouns when other educational issues may be more pressing. "Has anyone of you people who are so passionate about pronouns ever shown up and supported these kids in these schools?" she asked. "The stands at basketball games, music concerts, NHS ceremonies, and PTA meetings are empty, yet yall packed out the board meeting over teachers allegedly not notifying parents of their child’s preferred pronouns?"
The federal investigation into the district's policies comes as the Trump administration has signaled a strong stance on parental rights in education. The Department of Education has stated it is considering enforcement actions against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, including the potential withholding of federal funding. The department alleges that the district's policy of not informing parents when a student identifies as transgender violates the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
"The Trump Administration’s policy is simple: the blatant refusal to acknowledge parental rights will not be tolerated," the Department of Education said in a press release. The department is working with the Justice Department on possible enforcement actions, which could include litigation or the loss of federal funds.
When reached for comment by Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for Kansas City Kansas Public Schools stated, "Since this is a personnel matter, KCKPS can not comment at this time." Richardson also indicated in a follow-up comment that she did not believe she had said anything wrong and therefore feared no consequences.
Richardson has been a teacher at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools since July 2019. Her past roles include a position as a community organizer for the Kansas Democratic Party in 2018.