Washington parents outraged as kindergarteners are taught ‘Gender Jamboree’ lesson

WASHINGTON, DC: A kindergarten curriculum in Washington State has become the focus of controversy after reports surfaced of a classroom activity called the “Gender Jamboree.”

The lesson encouraged young children to explore their gender identity and identify at least three different gender categories.

Washington kindergarten lesson on gender identity sparks heated debate

Critics of the program argue that introducing concepts of gender identity at such an early age is inappropriate and confusing for children. Supporters, however, describe it as a progressive step toward inclusivity, ensuring that students who may not conform to traditional gender norms feel seen and validated in the classroom.

The issue has triggered strong reactions from parents, community members, and commentators nationwide. Some claim the lessons go beyond age-appropriate boundaries and risk politicizing early childhood education.

A MyNorthwest.com report detailed new state guidelines set to roll out in the 2017-2018 school year. Under these standards, kindergartners would begin learning that gender can be expressed in different ways. By fourth grade, students would be taught how to define sexual orientation. By the time they finish high school, they would be expected to analyze how factors such as culture, media, and society shape gender roles.

Speaking to The New Guard, Vashti Makupson voiced concern, saying, “As a parent, this makes me feel uncomfortable because children’s minds are impressionable. They are trying to figure out their own identity and shouldn’t be pressured to adopt a view that society forces on them."

"Why are we not equipping teachers to identify, support, and encourage those who are struggling? Being male is not bad, being female is not bad. We should be equipping teachers, not brainwashing generations of children," they added. 

Outrage erupts online over Washington state gender lessons

Netizens flooded social media with frustration after news spread of Washington state schools teaching gender identity lessons as early as kindergarten. 

One user wrote, “Unacceptable. There needs to be some sort of federal intervention on this garbage. It is indoctrination, child grooming and abuse,” and anothee said, “WTF… this is infuriating.”

A person suggested, “Pull your children and home school them,” while someone else slammed the educators, writing, “Sick, misguided educators.”

Another remarked, “How to doom the kids of the Evergreen State,” while one more wrote, “Parents should pull their kids from these schools; if they don’t, they shouldn’t be parents. It’s hard to teach this if schools lack students.”

One more summed it up bluntly: “It is outrageous. It's evil they're putting this on little children. Let kids be kids.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.