A teacher is suspended for refusing to use the correct pronouns with a transgender child because he believes the use of the pronouns can damage God’s sacred image.
Teacher suspended after refusing to call a transgender student by the correct pronouns
Fitness instructor Byron ‘Tanner‘ Cross was suspended in Virginia after he told the Loudoun County School Board that he did not “confirm that a biological boy can be a girl and vice versa.”
Cross believes that using someone’s preferred pronouns can harm them and “defecate the sacred image of God.”
He said, “I speak out of love for those who suffer from gender dysphoria,” adding, “I am a teacher, but I serve God first and foremost and I will not say that a biological boy can be a girl and vice versa because it is against my religion.”
“It’s telling a lie to a child, it’s abuse to a child and it sins against our God.”
Cross cited his religious faith during the disciplinary hearing and also showed an episode of 60 Minutes about young Americans rejecting transition.
The school board decided to place him on paid administrative leave and the school principal was not involved in the decision making.
An email and letter were sent to parents, which stated, “I am contacting you to inform you that the education teacher, Tanner Cross, is on leave as of this morning, this includes a personal matter, I cannot offer any further information.”
Professor Cross’ religion goes against Loudoun County’s official policy and position on transgender students.
This states that “staff will allow transgender or gender-expansive students to use their chosen gender name and pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any supporting evidence, regardless of the name and gender recorded on the student’s permanent educational record.”
