We are aware that several bills targeting transgender students were introduced in the North Carolina legislature this spring, and that this fact may be weighing heavily on the hearts and minds of members of our community. While we continue to monitor the situation, we stand firmly with the transgender community. Our CFS philosophy has always been centered on our Quaker belief in the innate value of every human being. We affirm our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement of Community, which states:
Our learning community is built on our Quaker values: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship (SPICES). In order to meet these goals, we believe in holding all of ourselves accountable to respecting the identities and experiences of all community members and maintaining a safe and welcoming community. We actively oppose and will address any actions and/or speech which demeans or discriminates based on race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, or any other attributes of identity.
The bills that were introduced in the General Assembly include Senate Bill 514 (targeting gender-related medical treatment for transgender people under 21), Senate Bill 515 (giving protection to medical providers who might object to providing services that "violates his, her, or its conscience"), and House Bill 358 (banning transgender students from competing on sports teams that match their gender identity). While it was announced that both Senate Bill 514 and House Bill 358 will not advance for a vote, we continue to monitor other efforts to limit the rights of people in the trans community.
Regardless of their passage, bills such as SB 514, SB 515, and HB 358 are an attack on the human rights and dignity of the transgender community. We ask you to join us holding in the Light transgender people and their beloved communities.
We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure CFS is a place where all trans community members and guests are and feel safe, seen, and valued. This process involves continued reflection, deep listening, assessment, and learning on our part. If you have ideas or recommendations for how we can better support members of the trans community and all students, please let your head teacher know.
In peace and solidarity,
Friday Meeting
Karen Cumberbatch, Head of School
Renee Prillaman, Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning
Nancy Hayes, Director of Admission
Jan Zink, Director of Advancement
Aden Darity, Director of Athletics
Naa Norley Adom, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Anthony L. Clay, Director of Extended Learning
Mark Shanahan, Director of Facilities
Katie Collini, Director of Finance and Human Resources
Chip Hae, Director of Technology
Nancy McGilvary, School Secretary
Libby Pendergrast, Campus Early School Head Teacher
Brad Kershner, Chapel Hill Early School Head Teacher
Carmen Raynor, Durham Early School Head Teacher
Lisa Wilson Carboni, Lower School Head Teacher
Ida Trisolini, Interim Middle School Head Teacher
Lauren Brownlee, Upper School Head Teacher