Requesting The Board Of Education To Adopt A Policy Relating To The Use Of Preferred Names For Students.
The resolution points to research indicating that recognizing preferred names is linked to improved mental health and lower rates of depression and suicidal ideation among students. By formalizing this process, SCR150 seeks to facilitate a supportive educational atmosphere where all students feel acknowledged and respected. The bill suggests implementing a system where students, both current and former, can declare a preferred name without facing administrative fees for updates to their records, including diplomas, email addresses, and identification cards.
SCR150 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that requests the Board of Education to adopt a policy allowing for the use of preferred names for students. The resolution highlights that 'deadnaming'—the use of an individual's name assigned at birth instead of their preferred name—can significantly affect the emotional well-being of students, particularly those who are transgender, Indigenous, or part of minority groups. The bill aims to mitigate bullying, discrimination, and negative educational outcomes that stem from failing to recognize a student's preferred name in school records and environments.
Although the resolution is framed as a positive step towards inclusivity, it may lead to discussions around implementation challenges and the extent of enforcement within schools. Critics may voice concerns about how such policies will be uniformly applied across diverse educational settings and whether they meet the needs of all students. Additionally, there might be debates on the balance between individual identity recognition and considerations related to school administrative practices and legal name requirements.