A new bill that bans students from learning about gender dysphoria through 7th grade has passed the South Dakota House of Representatives. However, some teachers say we should be embracing non-conforming students, not shutting them out.

As more and more students are identifying with non-traditional gender terms, its creating debates among lawmakers and public school officials alike.

The South Dakota legislature is attempting to create several policies relating to transgender students.

Earlier this week, the house advanced a piece of legislation prohibiting teachers from talking about gender dysphoria in classrooms.

A month ago, lawmakers proposed a bill that states transgender students can only play on a sports team if it matches the gender on their birth certificate.

Tony Randolph a Republican representative for South Dakota said, "To me, there is a clear difference between male and female, so a male playing on an all-female team because the male feels like he's female or identifies like he's female gives an unfair advantage to the rest of the females on the team."

But this discussion is not limited to lawmakers, some Rapid City teachers are also speaking out, but in support of transgenders in the community.

Andrew Belsaas is a band director at Central High school and says he knows of 7 gender non-conforming students.

"I'm really proud of how inclusive Central is and how respectful the students are too one another and how personal the teachers are with recognizing these students," Belsaas said.

Belsaas wishes there was a line in the Rapid City school district discrimination and harassment policy that protects transgender students.

"Gender non-conforming students are first and foremost students and deserve the opportunity to feel safe and supported in our district," Belsaas added.

The school board did not discuss the proposal to adjust the harassment and discrimination policy.