Sex change teacher controversy

[Sister Fracas 5]

March 3, 2006 — A New Jersey town is divided after the school board voted to allow a teacher to return to school after undergoing a sex change.

For the last five years, William McBeth has been a substitute teacher at Eagleswood elementary school, but it will be Lily McBeth, 71, who will fill in for sick teachers. McBeth underwent a sex change last year.

During a heated school board meeting this week, the community stood divided on the 4-1 decision to allow McBeth to return to the classroom.

"I will not allow you to put my kids in a petri dish and hope it all comes out fine," said parent Mark Schneep, who had taken out an ad in a local newspaper urging parents to attend the meeting.

Others were as passionate about their support for McBeth.

"I don't see how this is an issue, honestly, because he's a totally competent teacher and I don't see how that could have changed," said student Leandra Bourdot, 17.

But McBeth said the concerns of the Eagleswood parents were misdirected.

"They are projecting their thoughts into their children, their own insecurity and fears," McBeth said. "Children don't have those concerns. Their little minds are very curious and open to new ideas. It's not the children up there screaming about this."

McBeth said she was prepared to deal with any curiosity of her students, who have previously known her as a man.

"You don't discuss those things with a child in the classroom, no matter what it is … nothing [to] do with anything in your personal life," McBeth said. "You put that aside until the appropriate time. You simply say, 'I can discuss that with you at another time outside of the classroom.'"

Right now, McBeth is just waiting for the early morning call asking her to substitute teach and enjoying her new life as Lily.

"I don't really have to defend myself to other people. Their problem is not a problem for me," McBeth said. "I'm proud of who I am."

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What would you do if it were your children at this school?

[almaty 19]

wow, that would create some classroom buzz...i do not know..there is a woman here that we all know was a man...no issue..some snickers..working around kids can be hard...

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

The real question is, can the dude teach?

When so many teachers clearly can not, it's surprising that we're hung up over sh!t like this.

[Mand 1]

Parents worry...Kids wonder

Theoretically I would say if he/she has an exemplary teching record, then by all means she should be allowed to teach, but as we know, it's never black or white.

[m_and_m20 0]

Im kinda undecided about this issue as well. On one hand, i personally have no problems with people that decide to have a sex change operation, its there decision and i fully respect that. But on the other hand, this person IS a teacher, and i believe she teaches elementary school age kids. these are young kids that will probably wonder why Mr. McBeth is now Ms. McBeth....with any other profession, i dont think there would be this much controversy.

Plus, shes 71 years old...why cant she just retire and enjoy her new life as a woman??

[faith 0]

I say let him/her sub if he/she wants to. It's not like our kids will become infected by the transgender thing or something.

It just reminds me of that movie "In and Out" with Kevin Klein where all the people stood up and sarcastically stated "I was in his class last fall and oh my god, now I'm gay".

[irishgirl73 0]

The real question is, can the dude teach?

When so many teachers clearly can not, it's surprising that we're hung up over sh!t like this.

[CarolineM 0]

i would not want my child in that class.

sorry.

[Miranda&James 8]

Since it's elementary school I probably would not let my child attend the class. I'd rather them not have to worry about things like that at that age. I do think he should be allowed to teach and it be up to the parents to whether they are comfortable with their child learning about transgenderism at that age. I don't think it should be discussed by him/her though, there should be a professional counselor for children who have questions.

[m_and_m20 0]

Since it's elementary school I probably would not let my child attend the class. I'd rather them not have to worry about things like that at that age. I do think he should be allowed to teach and it be up to the parents to whether they are comfortable with their child learning about transgenderism at that age. I don't think it should be discussed by him/her though, there should be a professional counselor for children who have questions.

My thoughts too! I think it would probably be a little more acceptable with older children (high school age) since most would understand and know about it. but s/he would probably have to deal with a lot more ####### from high school students!

[faith 0]

you'd be surprised what elementary school kids already know

[Miranda&James 8]

you'd be surprised what elementary school kids already know

I'm not disagreeing with that, and I figured someone would make that point. But, even though a lot of them know a lot, it is still my job as a parent to try and regulate what my child is exposed to. I can't control everything but I still have to try my best, right?

[faith 0]

In my experience.. the more you shelter your kids from those kinds of things they more they will react negatively to it when they are adults. *shrugs* I don't worry about my boys. They have a question and I'll answer it honestly.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

To undergo sex change is neither illegal nor unethical. Thus, there's no reason as to why that teacher can't continue to teach. Why is it okay for some for the school contemplating to discriminate against this person?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

To undergo sex change is neither illegal nor unethical.

Just weird. But then so is piercing your testicles and plenty of freaks do that too.

Agreed, this is no reason to stop anyone from teaching.