Beech Tree News Network

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE)  is once again sounding off on issues related to gender identity.  The department, according to a story in the Courier-Journal, is warning that "school districts run the risk of violating federal laws in their attempt to abide by a recently passed anti-trans state law."  

This assertion was made in guidance provided to local school districts by the Kentucky Department of Education.

Released on Monday, KDE guidance outlines the different aspects of Senate Bill 150 that immediately went into effect at the end of March, according to the article. 

SB 150 was a bill passed by the Kentucky General Assembly that dealt with several issues related to gender identity, as well as  similar issues  involving parents' rights and school personnel.  

In multiple areas of the guidance, the department claims that some sections of the new law contradict federal laws. 

As reported in the Courier-Journal article,  the guidance says it "creates some confusion regarding student privacy," and advises districts "of their obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)."

"To the extent there is any conflict between SB 150 and FERPA, districts should comply with FERPA," according to the KDE.  

-----

In a related story from Kentucky Today, the Commonwealth Policy Center is hosting Saturday morning workshops across  the state to help Christians think and respond biblically to the LGBTQ+ push in public schools and elsewhere.

The next workshop will be May 13 at Bellevue Baptist Church in Owensboro.

“We did the first one in Bowling Green at Living Hope and had over 100 people registered,” said Reed Heckman, director of community outreach for CPC. “It was a tremendous response. I got back surveys and 44 percent turned in a form, which is a good number. We passed out some incredible materials that people all over the country are using.”

According to the Kentucky Today article, leading the event will be attorney, counselor and pastor-teacher Clint Elliott, who will discuss the legal rights of public school teachers and staff and how to tactfully respond to controversial issues.

Former public school administrator Randy Adams will share how to maintain conscience rights, respectfully communicate concerns with public school administrators and treat students in a positive way. CPC Executive Director Richard Nelson will speak on the cultural moment and how to respond biblically.