Requesting The Board Of Education To Adopt A Policy Relating To The Use Of Preferred Names For Students.
If adopted, HR29 could significantly reshape the current educational policies surrounding student identity in Hawaii. The resolution urges the Department of Education to put in place a system for students to declare their preferred names. This move is expected to foster a more inclusive environment within schools and improve the overall well-being of students by supporting their identity. This initiative aligns with research indicating that acknowledging students' preferred names can lead to improved mental health outcomes, reducing instances of depression and suicidal ideation.
House Resolution 29 (HR29), introduced during the thirty-second legislative session of Hawaii in 2024, seeks to request the Board of Education to implement a policy allowing the use of preferred names for students across all educational records. The resolution highlights the detrimental effects of 'deadnaming', which can contribute to emotional distress among students, specifically those who identify as transgender, Indigenous, or from minority backgrounds. It argues that the lack of support in using preferred names can lead to bullying, discrimination, and adverse outcomes concerning educational opportunities.
Despite its supportive intentions, HR29 is not without its points of contention. Advocates for student rights argue overwhelmingly in favor of such policies, citing the necessity of supporting diverse student identities to enhance mental health and academic success. Conversely, some opponents express concern over the potential administrative challenges and costs associated with modifying records and educational materials, suggesting a need for further discussion and consideration of resource allocations before the implementation of such a policy is undertaken.