LUMBERTON, TX–Laura Jane Klug was called in to substitute for a 5th grade class earlier this week, but wound up being placed on suspension. She had done nothing wrong to the children, but her personal lifestyle choice had offended parents, and they asked for the school to intervene.
Klug told reporters at KFDM-TV that despite being transgender, she had subbed at the school before without inciting controversy. “I have always conducted myself in a professional manner and would never discuss my gender identity in school,” she said.
Some parents still maintain that Klug is a distraction to the students, and her identity raises questions they don’t feel ready to address yet. Other parents are unconcerned. Jammie Marcantel, a 5th grade parent, told local reporters, “My son knows who he is and I don’t think any outside influence is going to change that. I’m more concerned about straight predatory teachers rather than I am someone who lives an alternative private alternate lifestyle.”
Texas currently has no laws to protect employees from discrimination like this, but a school board meeting was held on Thursday to decide Klug’s fate. More than 100 people attended the meeting, with the majority supporting Klug by wearing purple clothes and “I heart equality” buttons. That’s definitely not something you’d expect from a small Texas town. The board only had time to hear from 13 speakers, including Christopher King, a LGBT supporter. He stated that Klug’s plight was a constitutional issue. “You have to ask yourself this one question: Is there any rational basis for her termination,” King asked the board.
ALthough they ran out of time at the actual meeting, the board decided to fully reinstate Klug later that evening. Klug is relieved at the decision, but also anxious now that her secret is out. “My only concern is now the kids know. I don’t know what attention it will bring from the kids now.”
Either way, Klug will be back in the classroom next week after letting the incident blow over for a few days.
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