CCSD: Gender identity assignment at middle school went against state, district policies

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster penned a letter to Charleston County School District Board Chair Rev. Dr. Eric Mack on Tuesday asking for more parental involvement in the district's lesson plans -- specifically with the topic of gender identity.

In the letter, McMaster says he received complaints from parents after students at Camp Road Middle School were asked to read "I am Leo," an article by a transgender teenager from New York, and asked to answer a series of questions.

After learning of this issue from understandably upset parents and reviewing the article in question, I share their concerns.

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Parents told the governor they were not notified of the school's decision to include the article for use in its health classes. McMaster says the district should prohibit such assignments unless they are approved of first by parents.

Particularly on topics as critical and sensitive as health education (and especially for elementary and middle-school students), CCSD should respect the fundamental role of parents in the education of their children. Parents should be allowed to analyze these issues in advance and be afforded the opportunity to review course materials at the beginning of the year.

ABC News 4 reached out to CCSD for a comment.

A spokesperson for the district says the assignment was left for a substitute teacher to use as a supplemental assignment during a PE class and that students did not receive a grade for the activity. However, the district decided that the material should not have been used.

District staff determined the assignment did not align with state and district policies.

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When asked about the teacher's employment status, Charleston County School District officials said school and district staff are "following appropriate measures to address this issue," but could not provide additional details due to it being a personnel matter.

On Thursday, Sept. 15, Camp Road Middle School principal Jaclyn Rowehl issued the following statement to parents:

Dear Camp Road Families,

Following concerns shared by parents, we have determined that content was shared with students in a PE/health class involving topics that were not in accordance with the Comprehensive Health Act from the South Carolina State Department of Education.

At Camp Road, moving forward, instructional materials utilized within the classroom by teachers will adhere to the Comprehensive Health Act requirements.

We want to be sure you know that if you choose for your child not to participate in the growth and development portion of the Health class, Parent Opt Out forms can be completed. Parents can expect that opt-out forms are sent out before the material is covered in the course. For your review, curriculum materials can be found at CCSD Comprehensive Health Plan.

We appreciate the feedback provided and the ongoing dialogue with families that has allowed us to respond to concerns and make adjustments to our practice.

Respectfully,

Ms. Rowehl

District staff regrets that this matter occurred, and leaders are working to ensure all staff is reminded of parents’ opportunity to opt their children out prior to sensitive materials being shared with students," the CCSD spokesperson said. "School administrators at Camp Road Middle continue to be available to meet with parents to address additional questions and/or concerns about this matter.

To view the governor's letter in full, as well as "I am Leo," click here.