This policy is discouraging freedom of expression for students of Sherman High School. “ It’s affected so many of my friends and it’s actually Insane that I’ve seen more people that doesn’t even live in Sherman talk about this more than the people of Sherman outside of our school. Not only is this transphobic but also awful for the actors also being cut. It’s acting and as an actor u should be able to play any role despite their gender. It’s saddening that this “new policy” was put into act. -Adeline Phillips, SHS Student “ It’s incredibly unfair to see my friend Max lose his theater role without justification. The incident is a stark reminder of the discrimination that trans individuals face, and it’s time we stand up against it. We should all be able to express ourselves and pursue our passions without fear of discrimination. This petition is my way of contributing to a more inclusive and accepting world, where everyone is treated with the respect and equality they deserve.“ - Gracie Hightower, sister of transgender student who lost his role. Max Hightower was cast in a lead role in the upcoming play “Oklahoma!”, and this role was ripped from him due to his assigned sex at birth. Since the character is a biological male, the school policy will not allow him to keep his role and pursue his passion. The school released a statement explaining that “Oklahoma!” Will be postponed due to “mature themes”. This is confusing, because the school has performed this play twice before with no complications. Only now, when a transgender student has a lead role, is the play a problem. “ I was cast as the role of Ike Skidmore in Oklahoma, and then was told that I would no longer have this role in Oklahoma because the principal said, and I quote, “the district is taking a new path moving forward where boys who were born boys play boy roles, and girls who were born girls play girl roles.” He didn’t assure me any new role or replacement, he just told me he’d let me know what my “part” in the show would be eventually. I was absolutely devastated and I still am that our school district treats us like this, not to mention the fact they have complete control over our theatre program without having a single idea about how theatre works. I’ve been sick to my stomach all week over this, and hopefully sherman realizes their actions and corrects them.“ -Natalie Ball, SHS Student

All universities should be invested in inclusive growth and uphold promises made to queer folks. As listed above, these are just a few of the many critical solutions necessary to improve the quality of life of all people and move toward accountability for mistakes that have caused significant harm to our community. We urge you to be bold, embody our university’s forward-leading spirit, and take the next steps to create meaningful change. Please consider signing this petition so that SHU can truly become an empowering and supportive environment for all. Thank you. With Love & Pride, The SHU Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)

My principle and school staff have denied us a GSA on multiple occasions, and have not done anything to stop the bulling and harassment that has happened in the past years. the curriculum is not inclusive and they have practically ignored hate crimes. A Genders & Sexualities Alliance club, or GSA, would provide a much-needed safe place for students to meet, support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and work to create positive change on campus. Under the Federal Equal Access Act (http://www.gsanetwork.org/federal-equal-access-act), any school that receives government funding and has at least one other non-curricular club is legally required to also allow a GSA. Legally, public schools with other clubs must let students start a GSA -- and must treat the GSA like any other student club! Schools can't make up rules that only apply to the GSA and nobody else. GSAs have been proven to make schools safer for all students. Allow us to start a GSA so that ALL students can succeed.

Ms. Mystrena had no reason to be removed as the GSA advisor, and given the current climate on LGBTQ+ issues, we need her aid, not her resignment. We need her support, and we must demand change.

First hand I have seen bullying, exclusiveness, and hate towards those belonging to the LGBTQ+ Community at our school. A Gay Straight Alliance would help change this. A Genders & Sexualities Alliance club, or GSA, would provide a much-needed safe place for students to meet, support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and work to create positive change on campus. Under the Federal Equal Access Act (http://www.gsanetwork.org/federal-equal-access-act), any school that receives government funding and has at least one other non-curricular club is legally required to also allow a GSA. Legally, public schools with other clubs must let students start a GSA -- and must treat the GSA like any other student club! Schools can't make up rules that only apply to the GSA and nobody else. GSAs have been proven to make schools safer for all students. Allow us to start a GSA so that ALL students can succeed.

The wave of anti-trans and anti-queer legislation both directly targets TQ youth and strengthens efforts to rollback the rights of all historically marginalized and "othered" communities. We need to not only stop these anti-TQ bills, but transform our culture toward community and collective freedom. State and local organizers have been busy fighting these bills. We're calling on all state residents, community, and allies to #ShowUp4TransYouth and queer youth by demanding politicians end efforts of dividing the people and work toward CARE FOR TRANS AND QUEER YOUTH.  Is there an upcoming state or local action that we can uplift on this petition? Contact petition organizers by emailing [email protected] to share upcoming actions, efforts, and updates related to TQ youth devising freedom. Our team will work to include relevant updates to state petitions. You can also check out efforts in other states here. GSA Network will continue to update state solidarity petitions as bills and resistance movements continue to evolve throughout the next few months. Be sure to share this petition with all TQ youth leaders and allies who are committed to interrupting these ongoing attacks.

The wave of anti-trans and anti-queer legislation both directly targets TQ youth and strengthens efforts to rollback the rights of all historically marginalized and "othered" communities. We need to not only stop these anti-TQ bills, but transform our culture toward community and collective freedom. State and local organizers have been busy fighting these bills. We're calling on all state residents, community, and allies to #ShowUp4TransYouth and queer youth by demanding politicians end efforts of dividing the people and work toward CARE FOR TRANS AND QUEER YOUTH.  Is there an upcoming state or local action that we can uplift on this petition? Contact petition organizers by emailing [email protected] to share upcoming actions, efforts, and updates related to TQ youth devising freedom. Our team will work to include relevant updates to state petitions. You can also check out efforts in other states here. GSA Network will continue to update state solidarity petitions as bills and resistance movements continue to evolve throughout the next few months. Be sure to share this petition with all TQ youth leaders and allies who are committed to interrupting these ongoing attacks.

The wave of anti-trans and anti-queer legislation both directly targets TQ youth and strengthens efforts to rollback the rights of all historically marginalized and "othered" communities. We need to not only stop these anti-TQ bills, but transform our culture toward community and collective freedom. State and local organizers have been busy fighting these bills. We're calling on all state residents, community, and allies to #ShowUp4TransYouth and queer youth by demanding politicians end efforts of dividing the people and work toward CARE FOR TRANS AND QUEER YOUTH.  Is there an upcoming state or local action that we can uplift on this petition? Contact petition organizers by emailing [email protected] to share upcoming actions, efforts, and updates related to TQ youth devising freedom. Our team will work to include relevant updates to state petitions. You can also check out efforts in other states here. GSA Network will continue to update state solidarity petitions as bills and resistance movements continue to evolve throughout the next few months. Be sure to share this petition with all TQ youth leaders and allies who are committed to interrupting these ongoing attacks.

The wave of anti-trans and anti-queer legislation both directly targets TQ youth and strengthens efforts to rollback the rights of all historically marginalized and "othered" communities. We need to not only stop these anti-TQ bills, but transform our culture toward community and collective freedom. State and local organizers have been busy fighting these bills. We're calling on all state residents, community, and allies to #ShowUp4TransYouth and queer youth by demanding politicians end efforts of dividing the people and work toward CARE FOR TRANS AND QUEER YOUTH.  Is there an upcoming state or local action that we can uplift on this petition? Contact petition organizers by emailing [email protected] to share upcoming actions, efforts, and updates related to TQ youth devising freedom. Our team will work to include relevant updates to state petitions. You can also check out efforts in other states here. GSA Network will continue to update state solidarity petitions as bills and resistance movements continue to evolve throughout the next few months. Be sure to share this petition with all TQ youth leaders and allies who are committed to interrupting these ongoing attacks.

The wave of anti-trans and anti-queer legislation both directly targets TQ youth and strengthens efforts to rollback the rights of all historically marginalized and "othered" communities. We need to not only stop these anti-TQ bills, but transform our culture toward community and collective freedom. State and local organizers have been busy fighting these bills. We're calling on all state residents, community, and allies to #ShowUp4TransYouth and queer youth by demanding politicians end efforts of dividing the people and work toward CARE FOR TRANS AND QUEER YOUTH.  Is there an upcoming state or local action that we can uplift on this petition? Contact petition organizers by emailing [email protected] to share upcoming actions, efforts, and updates related to TQ youth devising freedom. Our team will work to include relevant updates to state petitions. You can also check out efforts in other states here. GSA Network will continue to update state solidarity petitions as bills and resistance movements continue to evolve throughout the next few months. Be sure to share this petition with all TQ youth leaders and allies who are committed to interrupting these ongoing attacks.

The wave of anti-trans and anti-queer legislation both directly targets TQ youth and strengthens efforts to rollback the rights of all historically marginalized and "othered" communities. We need to not only stop these anti-TQ bills, but transform our culture toward community and collective freedom. State and local organizers have been busy fighting these bills. We're calling on all state residents, community, and allies to #ShowUp4TransYouth and queer youth by demanding politicians end efforts of dividing the people and work toward CARE FOR TRANS AND QUEER YOUTH.  Is there an upcoming state or local action that we can uplift on this petition? Contact petition organizers by emailing [email protected] to share upcoming actions, efforts, and updates related to TQ youth devising freedom. Our team will work to include relevant updates to state petitions. You can also check out efforts in other states here. GSA Network will continue to update state solidarity petitions as bills and resistance movements continue to evolve throughout the next few months. Be sure to share this petition with all TQ youth leaders and allies who are committed to interrupting these ongoing attacks.

The wave of anti-trans and anti-queer legislation both directly targets TQ youth and strengthens efforts to rollback the rights of all historically marginalized and "othered" communities. We need to not only stop these anti-TQ bills, but transform our culture toward community and collective freedom. State and local organizers have been busy fighting these bills. We're calling on all state residents, community, and allies to #ShowUp4TransYouth and queer youth by demanding politicians end efforts of dividing the people and work toward CARE FOR TRANS AND QUEER YOUTH.  Is there an upcoming state or local action that we can uplift on this petition? Contact petition organizers by emailing [email protected] to share upcoming actions, efforts, and updates related to TQ youth devising freedom. Our team will work to include relevant updates to state petitions. You can also check out efforts in other states here. GSA Network will continue to update state solidarity petitions as bills and resistance movements continue to evolve throughout the next few months. Be sure to share this petition with all TQ youth leaders and allies who are committed to interrupting these ongoing attacks.