The battle for trans rights: Political spectacle theory and its implications for education policy

Abstract

In the United States, an increasing political divide and an emphasis on culture war issues have increased legislation and policy targeting transgender and non-binary students in public education systems. Transgender and non-binary identities are weaponized by conservative politicians who seek to influence policies in schools.Local, state, and federal protections are the solution to end discriminatory policies and the weaponization of transgender and non-binary identities for political gain.

Behind Closed Doors: The Untold Challenges of Transgender and Nonbinary Graduate Students in Chemistry

“…[66][67][68] Weaponization of trans identities as a tool in the present "culture war" narrative has already cascaded into US state legislation and degenerative education policy that targets trans people. 69 Recent legislation has serious, material impacts on trans people's healthcare autonomy, access to accurate government identification, entry to public accommodations (e.g. restrooms, locker rooms), right to privacy, freedom of information (e.g.…”

Value frames in discourse supporting transgender athlete bans

“…While on their face, the athlete bans concern school sports policy, they also reflect a key discursive battleground in today’s ‘culture wars’, where social groups battle for ‘dominance of their values, beliefs, and practices’ (Hunter, 1991). Athlete bans target deep social anxieties about gender, at a time when questions of gender and identity are central to popular discourse and debate (Castillo, 2023; Murib, 2022). The bills give supportive legislators an opportunity to advance their agenda and promote traditional beliefs about gender in an arena where traditional, biological understandings of men and women are highly influential (Jones, 2021; Kane, 1995; Lorber, 1993).…”