In a landmark case, the Spreckels Union School District in Salinas, California, has agreed to a $100,000 settlement with a mother and her daughter, who accused staff at Buena Vista Middle School of secretly guiding the 11-year-old girl to transition to a male identity.
Jessica Konen, the mother, became aware of the school’s actions when an audio recording surfaced, showcasing two teachers discussing their covert recruitment of students into the school’s LGBT club, according to The Epoch Times.
The revelations from this recording, which originated from a California Teachers Association event in Palm Springs, led to the suspension of the teachers in question.
Konen expressed her relief, stating, “It’s a massive victory across America for myself, for my daughter, and for other parents experiencing similar situations. Our voices made a difference.”
She further emphasized, “I just feel social transitioning done in secrecy is the real evil. We need to get rid of it, period. So, the fight must continue.”
The daughter, Alicia Konen, who is now 16, described her experience as “evil” and “horrible,” explaining her initiation into the school’s “Equality Club” in sixth grade.
The club introduced her to various LGBT concepts, leading her to adopt male pronouns and attire.
The tension escalated when the school demanded Jessica to refer to Alicia using male pronouns.
Jessica recalled her struggle during Christmas, expressing, “I was an emotional wreck trying to process everything. I was scared to mess up or to use the wrong pronouns.”
She also shared words of caution for other parents, urging them to “be vigilant” and to remain engaged with their child’s school activities.
A critical moment in Alicia’s journey began with a visit to the school counselor due to feelings of depression.
She was placed on a Gender Support Plan, where the staff was required to use male pronouns when addressing her.
She was also directed towards using the unisex teachers’ restroom.
Alicia revealed that she was explicitly advised against informing her mother about her transition and was even provided articles on maintaining secrecy.
She shared, “I was extremely confused, and honestly very scared. I wanted to tell my mom, and continually said I wanted to tell her, but I was encouraged to keep it a secret.”
“The school said that my mother wouldn’t support me.”
However, now in high school, Alicia proudly asserts, “I am 1,000 percent a girl. I am Alicia. That is who I am, and no one can ever change that.”
Eric Sell, representing the Konens, stated that while the monetary value of the settlement cannot compensate for the ordeal the Konens experienced, it serves as a warning to other institutions, Epoch Times notes.
He said, “As far as we are aware, this is the first time a school district has had to pay a family money for secretly transitioning their kid behind their backs.”
Jessica Konen further argued that such actions can be perceived as “a form of brainwashing.”
By sidelining parents, children might miss out on essential therapeutic interventions during crises.
In her words, “The secret stuff has to go.”
