ED STEELE: Uncovering Mesa Public Schools’ Silence on “Gender Affirming Care” for Parents

By Ed Steele |

In Mesa Public Schools, controversy reigns over policies addressing transgender and gender nonconforming students. The document titled “Support Plan for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students” outlines provisions that enable students to participate in activities and utilize facilities that align with their gender identity, free from a requirement to gain parental consent. This policy has raised alarms among parents and community members regarding privacy and safety in restrooms and locker rooms.

Critics argue the plan undermines the privacy of non-transgender students, who feel compromised sharing facilities with peers of the opposite biological sex. Reports indicate that some female students are avoiding meals to dodge using shared restrooms, raising questions about the adequacy of protections in place for all students’ comfort and safety.

Concerns also extend to parental rights, particularly regarding a lack of communication about students’ gender identities. Key figures, including Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis, have provided assurances, but documentation reveals that school counselors have maintained spreadsheets denoting which students’ parents were informed about their gender identities. This practice has raised doubts about transparency in handling sensitive information.

During a governing board meeting on May 9, 2023, board member Rachel Walden sought clarity on the criteria for placing students on the Transgender Support Plan. District general counsel, Kasey King, stated that the process is largely student-initiated and does not require parental notification or involvement. This absence of parental engagement in significant decisions regarding a child’s identity has sparked intense debate.

Notably, changes have been made to the language within the guidelines, which now ambiguously suggest that disclosing confidential student information to parents might violate privacy laws. Following public backlash, the district reversed a decision to relocate the guidelines to a private section of their website, reclassifying them from “Guidelines” to “Guidance.” This change has prompted questions regarding the governance and oversight of such policies.

At an April 8, 2025, board meeting, board member Sharon Benson proposed a policy mandating parental notification whenever a student expresses transgender ideations. The proposal faced opposition from activists claiming that informing parents could lead to abuse. Critics argue this presents an alarming trend of increasingly sidelining parental rights in favor of institutional control over children’s well-being.

These developments illustrate a growing tension between parental rights and school practices surrounding gender identity. Community involvement is essential as parents and residents voice their concerns at district governing board meetings, advocating for policies that respect family dynamics while supporting student needs.

Ed Steele is a committed advocate for educational success, bringing attention to critical issues within the Mesa community.