A teacher in Indiana claims he was forced to resign after refusing to address transgender students by their preferred names, citing religious beliefs. John Kluge, a former orchestra teacher at Brownsburg High School, said the school district's policy violates his constitutional rights.
Kluge, 28, told the Indianapolis Star: 'I'm being compelled to encourage students in what I believe is something that's a dangerous lifestyle.' He added that being compelled to speak a certain way is 'the scary thing.'
The Brownsburg Community Schools policy requires written consent from a parent and doctor for a name change. LGBTQ advocates argue the practice is about respect, not religion or politics. Sam Brinton of The Trevor Project said: 'This is not a request for advocacy. This is a request for respect.'
Kluge had reached a compromise with administrators to refer to all students by their last names, but was told months ago that this would no longer be allowed. He submitted a tentative resignation letter after being threatened with termination, and later tried to withdraw it, but the district treated it as final.
Kluge plans to appeal to the school board to regain his position. He stated: 'I love serving the kids in the community and would like to continue teaching at Brownsburg.' He hopes the board will reconsider his termination.
