The state of Ohio has recently passed a bill requiring that any names students prefer differing from their given name must be allowed by a parent or guardian.This is known as HB190, which requires educators to call home and get permission from a student’s parent or legal guardian to call them the name they prefer. For example, my first name is Keaton but I go by Mack, my middle name but since it wouldn’t qualify as a shortening of my first name or a nickname, my parents get a call.
This is an attack against transgender kids, plain and simple. I’m not going to beat around the bush when the problem is staring daggers right through our eyes. Now, I’m not trans by any means and this affects me the least of all the people in the school it will affect.
“Every trans person should get to come out on their own terms and at whatever time they feel is right.” Said Max Downhower ‘27. “As someone who was outed to their parents, I know how terrible it feels and I can’t even imagine how many other people may be outed due to this bill.”
Not only does this mean risky business for trans kids, but it creates a hassle for teachers to sort out. It doesn’t make the first days of school any easier going through a process of “Alright, I’m going to take attendance and when I get to you tell me if you go by a different name then provide your mom or dad’s phone number. This will be taking up the whole period if that’s okay with everyone.”
“Well, the bill passed, which means it was signed by the governor, which means it is a state law,” said OLHS English and Theater teacher, Mr. Skrovan. “And since it’s a state law, it’s something that needs to be abided by. Our district has put in place policies that will help us stay within the boundaries of the law, and those include calling a parent to let them know they put a name other than what is on PowerSchool is being used and then to which would be in agreement with what the house bill that was passed and signed into law.”
“It endangers trans youth [and] further alienates them from their teachers,” said Tyler Kanable ‘26. “Because even if a teacher might not want to share a student’s identity, they have to by law.”
This feels like a step back from what happened last year regarding the death of AJ Mathy. And while the suicide hotline has started appearing on the back of student ID’s of OLHS, the bill undermines that progress.
“I don’t think people realize the harm that out-ing a trans kid to their parents could do.” Said Ela Korbecki ‘28. “It kills some people, like, seriously.”
Another one of AJ’s friends wished to remain anonymous but nonetheless felt the need to speak up about HB190.
“It feels like a disrespect to his memory,” they said. “What we should’ve done was take steps forward to better support our trans and LGBTQ students, not force kids to out themselves just to be called the way they want to by their teachers.”
A couple of people who just go by different names with no strings attached like myself also find it pretty futile.
“People who just go by different names will have to have a conversation with their families about why they pick a different name to go by.” said Tommy Savage ‘27. “I think that aspect of it can bring a deeper understanding of who you are to your parents.
Savage brought up a good point about a possible upside of this which can lead to meaningful family conversations about self-identity. Even though the bill is aimed with bad intentions, understanding parents can really make a difference. The same goes for another student I interviewed.
“For me, I’ve had my nickname since even before birth, [for] others it’s obviously different.” Said Rico Martinez ‘28. “To me, it doesn’t make much sense as to how or why kids go by other names that their parents do not know about, isn’t your name, your name? Your nickname, your nickname? It’s what people call you, that includes your parents does it not? It’s a biased take but that’s what I get from it.”
It’s a polarizing issue for sure, similar to glitter. For those who don’t have different names, they won’t be as passionate or opinionated about it similar to those with parents by their side. The fact is that the state government that’s supposed to protect us has done nothing in recent years to do as such, they’ve even gone as far as taking a shot at a vulnerable minority of children.
“It’s really stupid, and obviously whoever passed it doesn’t care about kids’ safety.” Said Theseus Rudy ‘28. “I will spew hate on whoever passed this bill at any given moment.”
