As employees for Albuquerque Public Schools begin training for new directives mandated by the federal government to better accommodate transgender students, parents and residents opposing the new rules are still working to make their voices heard.Weeks ago, APS implemented those new rules that would allow transgender and gender non-conforming students to use the bathrooms and locker rooms of the gender with which they identify.The new rules also ensure that faculty call students by the names and pronouns they prefer.A support group within APS will also have to be made available to transgender and gender non-conforming students if they desire to take part.The district has been applauded by many within the community for implementing the new rules. But there are a lot of parents and residents who aren't happy.A petition protesting the new rules, created by Rev. Adelious Stith, is growing. Right now, it has just under 600 signatures.Stith said Wednesday that he doesn't have an issue with the rights of students, but said he's upset that the district never gave the community a say."I'm not trying to fight with APS, I'm just trying to get them to include the parents," Stith said.Stith spoke out against the new rules with other supporters at a board meeting Wednesday night. But many others countered those comments saying they supported the new rules.That included a majority of board members."What we really want to do here is make sure that students get the support and protection that they need," board member Barbara Petersen said.Board President Dave Peercy said that the district will hold community discussion meetings regarding the new rules in the coming weeks.In the meantime, a number of states are now suing the federal government over the new directives.

As employees for Albuquerque Public Schools begin training for new directives mandated by the federal government to better accommodate transgender students, parents and residents opposing the new rules are still working to make their voices heard.

Weeks ago, APS implemented those new rules that would allow transgender and gender non-conforming students to use the bathrooms and locker rooms of the gender with which they identify.


The new rules also ensure that faculty call students by the names and pronouns they prefer.

A support group within APS will also have to be made available to transgender and gender non-conforming students if they desire to take part.

The district has been applauded by many within the community for implementing the new rules. But there are a lot of parents and residents who aren't happy.

A petition protesting the new rules, created by Rev. Adelious Stith, is growing. Right now, it has just under 600 signatures.

Stith said Wednesday that he doesn't have an issue with the rights of students, but said he's upset that the district never gave the community a say.

"I'm not trying to fight with APS, I'm just trying to get them to include the parents," Stith said.

Stith spoke out against the new rules with other supporters at a board meeting Wednesday night. But many others countered those comments saying they supported the new rules.

That included a majority of board members.

"What we really want to do here is make sure that students get the support and protection that they need," board member Barbara Petersen said.

Board President Dave Peercy said that the district will hold community discussion meetings regarding the new rules in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, a number of states are now suing the federal government over the new directives.