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Trans Teacher Resigns Amid Conservative Backlash in Texas
A Texas high school educator has stepped down from her position following intense criticism and online harassment stemming from her identity as a transgender woman.
Rosie Sandri, who came out as transgender approximately seven months ago, reported that she received considerable support from her colleagues and the Red Oak Independent School District. She shared her experiences during an interview with NBC News.
Sandri became a subject of controversy after sharing videos on TikTok where she discussed her experiences as a trans woman and a teacher. The situation escalated when the right-wing social media account Libs of TikTok reposted one of her videos. In this video, Sandri described the joy she felt as her students recognized her gender identity.
“They call me ma’am. They call me miss. They use my correct pronouns and know my correct name, and it is incredibly affirming,” she stated in the TikTok video, highlighting the supportive environment she experienced in the classroom.
However, the post from Libs of TikTok included instances of deadnaming and misgendering, which rendered her vulnerable to a wave of online hostility and harassment. The account questioned whether parents would feel comfortable with her teaching their children, igniting further vitriol directed at Sandri.
The backlash included severe threats, prompting Sandri to share her ordeal with the Dallas Morning News, revealing that she received threatening emails urging her to commit self-harm.
Adding to the turmoil, State Representative Brian Harrison, who represents the area where the school is situated, amplified the situation by sharing the problematic post and calling for Sandri’s immediate dismissal from her role. He articulated his discontent, claiming that public schools should be environments of education rather than platforms for ideological indoctrination.
In the aftermath of this public outcry, Sandri reached an agreement with the school administration to resign. Reports indicated that the deputy superintendent conveyed that the school had also received threats related to the situation.
“I’m heartbroken. It felt like my hands were tied,” Sandri expressed to the Dallas Morning News. She acknowledged that her primary concern was the safety of her students and felt compelled to prioritize their well-being over her own professional aspirations.
Reflecting on her resignation, Sandri shared that it felt as though a cherished dream was being stripped away, leaving a profound emotional impact on her experience.
As of now, neither Sandri nor the Red Oak Independent School District has responded to inquiries from the Guardian regarding the incident.
Source
www.theguardian.com