LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A Las Vegas high school student, who came out as transgender male to family and friends last year, will be able to walk in his high school graduation ceremony with the rest of his male classmates after a local television station interceded with school officials.
Francis Dalog Jr., 18, who identifies as male, and said his high school experience at Shadow Ridge High School was largely conflict-free — until recently, when a school administrator insisted he walk with the girls in the graduation procession, because, as far as school officials are concerned, Dalog is still biologically a girl.
“I explained to her that I’m transgender and she’s like, doesn’t matter, whatever’s on the paper that’s whatever side you’re going to go on,” Dalog told KLAS-TV.
“I want to leave as who I am. I want to graduate high school as who I really am,” Dalog said.
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KLAS reported that administrators at Shadow Ridge High recognize Francis “the she,” not “the he.” But after KLAS-TV raised concerns with the school district level, the administrator’s decision was reversed.
The Clark County School District has no specific policies related to transgender students instead it relies on a more individualized approach, explained school board president Linda Young.
“Each case is a little different; each student is a little different. I think it has to be discussed in light of what’s going to be comfortable for all involved, because it’s not just that student, but the other students as well,” said Dr. Linda Young, CCSD school board president.
“There should be policies,” said Jane Heenan with Gender Justice Nevada.
On Tuesday, Dalog was informed by school administrators at Shadow Ridge that he would be permitted to walk in the procession with the other male students
“The district wants all students to feel welcome in their education environment and therefore will make reasonable accommodations,” the district said, in a statement.
For more, watch the report from KLAS-TV: