Ryan Dailey

Tallahassee Democrat

The elementary school teacher who made international news after bringing gender neutral pronouns into the classroom will be transferred to another program within the district.

Leon County Schools officials confirmed Tuesday that Chloe Bressack, a fifth-grade teacher at Canopy Oaks Elementary School, will be transferred to the Adult and Community Education campus on Appleyard Drive to teach in its adult basic education program. The transfer takes effect immediately, according to Chris Petley, spokesman for the district.

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LCS administration met with Bressack Monday afternoon as well as Tuesday before the decision was announced.

"This afternoon I had an open conversation with Teacher Bressack. Given the complexity of the issue, we both agreed a different environment would be best for Teacher Bressack's educational career and for the young students at Canopy Oaks," Superintendent Rocky Hanna said in a statement.

"I respect the courage Chloe has shown through this ordeal and I am confident Teacher Bressack will do wonderful work with students in the adult basic education program. Although not easy, I honestly believe this change is best for everyone involved."

Bressack did not imediately respond to an email requesting comment Tuesday, and a release sent out by LCS said Bressack is declining any media interviews at this time.

Bressack sent the letter to parents requesting students use gender-neutral pronouns such as "they, them, their," also requesting to be referred to as Mx.(pronounced Mix) rather than the traditional Miss or Ms.

Petley said a “handful” of students were transferred out of Bressack’s classroom following the note’s distribution.

Leon County Schools later issued a statement last week Thursday in which Bressack apologized “for any confusion” the letter caused.

"My practice in addressing my students is to refer to them by their personal pronouns, be they 'he, she, or they,'" Bressack said in the Thursday statement. "We work together to create a positive environment of respect and understanding. I understand that students will not always address me in the way I prefer, and that is okay. We keep moving with a smile and continue on with our learning. In our classroom, our learning and our well-being is the priority."

Contact Ryan Dailey at rdailey@tallahassee.com.