A Florida teacher’s request for students to use gender-neutral pronouns has left parents divided in opinion.
Math and science teacher Chloe Bressack, who teaches at Canopy Oaks Elementary in Tallahassee, Florida, sent the letter home to the 5th grade class at the beginning of the year.
The letter says: ‘One thing you should know about me is that I use gender neutral terms.
A Florida teacher’s request for students to use gender-neutral pronouns has left parents divided in opinion
‘My prefix is Mx. (pronounced Mix). Additionally, my pronouns are “they, them, their” instead of “he, his, she, hers”.
‘I know it takes some practice for it to feel natural, but in my experience students catch on pretty quickly.
‘We’re not going for perfection, just making an effort!
‘My priority is for all of my students to be comfortable in my classroom and have a space where they can be themselves while learning.’
Math and science teacher Chloe Bressack, who teaches at Canopy Oaks Elementary (pictured) in Tallahassee, Florida, sent the letter home to the 5th grade class at the beginning of the year
In a post in the Facebook group ‘Tally Moms Stay Connected,’ a parent said her child’s teacher sent home the ‘Welcome to my class’ note, which included the request, according to The Tallahassee Democrat.
The parent ended her post with the question, ‘What would your reaction be as a parent of 9 & 10 year olds?’
The comments were divided between socially conservative and liberal parents.
It’s their preference and literally does not affect you in any way
Canopy Oaks Principal Paul Lambert told the publication: ‘We support her preference in how she’s addressed, we certainly do.
‘I think a lot of times it might be decided that there is an agenda there, because of her preference — I can tell you her only agenda is teaching math and science at the greatest level she can.’
Bressack added: ‘I feel very lucky to be teaching at Canopy Oaks, and I look forward to working with my students this year.’
Reacting to the letter on Facebook, Noelle Enright said: ‘Why is this even an issue? The world’s not gonna end because someone wants to be addressed as them/they. It’s their preference and literally does not affect you in any way.’
But not everyone agreed. Joseph Christopher said: ‘I’m sorry, but there is no such thing as gender neutral.’
MailOnline has contacted the teacher and the school for comment.