WASHINGTON — A Democratic candidate aiming to unseat Hudson Valley Representative Mike Lawler has previously supported a policy that permits children to discreetly coordinate with their schools regarding their transgender identity.
Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson, who is contesting for New York’s 17th Congressional District, played a pivotal role in implementing Nyack Public School Board’s inaugural policy on transgender issues, a move she has openly endorsed.
This policy introduces the concept of a voluntary yet confidential “Gender Support Plan.” Within this framework, a designated staff member assists the student in ensuring their gender identity is recognized and supported within the school environment.
The “Gender Support Plan” form queries whether the student’s guardians are aware of and supportive of their child’s gender transition. It also addresses the necessary considerations if the guardians are unaware or unsupportive.
The objective, as outlined by the policy, is to foster consensus between parents or guardians and the student concerning the acknowledgment of the student’s gender identity by the school district.
Additionally, the policy allows transgender students to keep their gender identity confidential from other students, parents, or third parties.
They are also given other rights such as “access to and use the locker room that corresponds to their gender identity asserted at school,” per the school district’s policy.
“Upon request, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students shall be provided access to a reasonable alternative locker room/changing area,” the policy further states.
Access to sports teams is determined on a “case-by-case basis” under the guidance of state law.
Davidson has been outspoken in the past on transgender issues. In 2023, for example, she ripped into House Republicans for passing a National Defense Authorization Act that put restrictions on coverage for service members seeking transgender-related healthcare.
“I’m proud of my work to support every student and family in Nyack Public Schools while ensuring the district’s policies aligned with New York State law,” Davidson told The Post when asked about the school district’s policy.
The Nyack Public School District declined to comment when contacted by The Post.
Davidson is running in the somewhat crowded primary to face off against Lawler in November, in what is widely seen as one of the most competitive House seats in the country.
The New York primary takes place on June 23.
“Radical Democrat Beth Davidson’s creepy agenda is a threat to the safety and well-being of schoolchildren across the Hudson Valley. New Yorkers cannot afford to have her in Congress,” National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole told The Post.
