[MassED]

Originally Posted by GGT1

I believe someone gave you the wrong information regarding the "legal name change" and that a degree would not "matter". Women have name changes ALL THE TIME and their degrees still "matter".

The only question I have for you is, why not wait until after nursing school. I really think you will have a rough time going through those changes and all the drama that comes with it while in nursing school. Not to mention... a private christian school????? Sounds like you are trying to make life difficult for yourself?

I can understand and agree with what you are writing, though it's a bit unfair that he should have to wait to transition until after school... all for the sake of "Christianity" and other people's feelings on his life. Who the hell cares what others think? Though that can make life harder, but it's his life and he should be able to do what he wants without opposition or conflict in pursuing higher education. You'd think a nursing school would be all over practicing what they preach.

Originally Posted by Daytonite

Look, I know you are eager to get on with a new life, but confession isn't the way to do it. I don't have a real good opinion of most religions and I come from a Catholic background and have a bunch of cousins who are nuns and priests. I know the inside hypocrisy. I'm serious. Just clam up with regard to the school. Go to school as "Joe" and say nothing about even getting this surgery because if the religious leaders of the place get wind of it you may very well find yourself thrown out for moral reasons on their part and you don't want that, do you? Just work with your counselor and consult a lawyer, dummy up, and after you graduate, "Joe" becomes "Josephine" and there's nothing the school can do about it then. Save all your records and make copies just in case they say they lost your transcripts just to be difficult.

Again, as above....
We would like to think that we live in a wonderful world, but you never know where bigotry is lurking, so protect yourself. Religion doesn't exempt people from bias or breaking the law. We Americans love a good fight, but I have to tell you that those fights are tiring and take a lot out of you. Try anonymity first.

This sounds so bleak - he should be able to pursue education being who he wants to be, without conflict or obstruction - BUT we all know there are all sorts out there who will buck the system and make your life a living hell.... sad to say


good luck!

[JettaDP]

Originally Posted by MassED

that's a good question. You'd think they'd let you be the individual that you are, but knowing it's a Christian school... well... many hypocrites abound - as my experience with religion goes (Lutheran school upbrining, Lutheran church classes daily.... ended that part of my life at age 12). I'd go talk to the dean and let them know your concerns and lay it on the line. I'm sure there will be many with differences and they will show tolerance - or if not, you can be on them like flies on poo poo and claim discrimination. Best of luck to you.

See that's kind of what I was talking about in my post. You may not be able to claim discrimination because relious schools have different rules they can legally go by. They may be able to dismiss you because it isn't "moral" to them. Whereas, a non-relious school probably can't do that. Now I am not basing that on anything concrete. They may not have some kind of a morals clause. But I would find out for sure before you talk to the dean. I would definitely speak to a lawyer first.

[michigansstudent]

you poor thing. I agree with daytonite on not saying anything to the school. Present yourself as female and use your real name. I have a family that comes into the pediatrician office I work at and the girls all have boy names. "Ryan, Ricky, and Joey." That is their names that appear on all their legal documents. If you are wanted to trans into a full time female why not include it day one of nursing school. Noone is going to see you naked there so own it.

Good luck to you!

Stay level headed and remember you get more of what you pay attention to so dont go looking for people to give you a hard time.

[Sandy_dfw]

Originally Posted by spring05

See that's kind of what I was talking about in my post. You may not be able to claim discrimination because relious schools have different rules they can legally go by. They may be able to dismiss you because it isn't "moral" to them. Whereas, a non-relious school probably can't do that. Now I am not basing that on anything concrete. They may not have some kind of a morals clause. But I would find out for sure before you talk to the dean. I would definitely speak to a lawyer first.

I believe you are correct in this unfortionately.

Sandy

[MassED]

Originally Posted by spring05

Also, I am not a lawyer but I think it is incorrect that if you change your name it invalidates your degree.

No - your degree can't be "invalidated" - your SSN is attached to that... so just as women do when they get married and they have a degree in their maiden name, you get it changed.

[MassED]

Originally Posted by spring05

See that's kind of what I was talking about in my post. You may not be able to claim discrimination because relious schools have different rules they can legally go by. They may be able to dismiss you because it isn't "moral" to them. Whereas, a non-relious school probably can't do that. Now I am not basing that on anything concrete. They may not have some kind of a morals clause. But I would find out for sure before you talk to the dean. I would definitely speak to a lawyer first.

I would imagine that violating a person's civil rights, be it public or private institution, still applies... but I'm no lawyer! Again, I believe OP was seeking an attorney's advice.... ACLU would also probably be able to shed some light into this topic - there are many private schools out there.... that are big-time schools and you never hear of any ruckus.... so maybe they shake them out or they do a good job or covering up issues.

[kizzykatlove]

well umm, we had a guy during nursing school that transitioned, and no one said a word to him... he worked it out with the board , and i have no idea how he did that.... but he works in ER now at a big hospital...

our family is mormon and my personal feelings didn't go into his personal choice., i just went through nursing school minding my own business... but he did what was best for him, who is now a her named shanna... but it worked out..... and i really don't know what else to say ... but that was along long time ago....

keep us posted

[MassED]

http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/12006res20020311.html

A private institution would be smart not to open up a can of worms and lose lots of money by disallowing a person to participate like the rest of their students.

[Sandy_dfw]

I agree with you on contacting the ACLU to check legalities.
The problem is in a lot of states being gay/lesbian is still against the law.
The laws are not inforced but still in the books. I do not know what the
laws are in in any state excpet for Texas. In Texas a preson still legaly be
denied jobs, refused housing, ect. and it is still totally legal. It is wrong
but change is very slow.

[Stanley-RN2B]

Originally Posted by MassED

http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/12006res20020311.html

A private institution would be smart not to open up a can of worms and lose lots of money by disallowing a person to participate like the rest of their students.

Transsexual is not a protected class.

The Utah Transit Authority did not violate federal law when it fired a pre-operative transsexual probationary employee out of concern about which restroom she would use, according to a federal court in Salt Lake City.

U.S. District Judge David Sam of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah said transsexuals are not a protected class under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; thus, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision barring gender stereotyping in employment is not applicable to transsexuals.

Click above for article.

As unfortunate as it ism being a transsexual is not protected and the school, could act against her. It is a shame that in 2008 it isn't protected yet.

Discriminatory action towards transsexuals is in effect by law NOT discrimination. Hopefully the Christian school she is applying to actually practices what they preach. Maybe they will be ok with it.