Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Political Science (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Political Science

Advisor/Mentor

Baptist, Najja K.

Committee Member

Saeidi, Shirin

Second Committee Member

Campos, Alejandra

Keywords

Framing Theory; Queer Politics; State Sanctioned Violence; Transgender Politics

Abstract

Transgender youth in K-12 public education have been systematically marginalized through state-sanctioned violence and discriminatory policies, often portrayed as societal "boogeymen." They face exclusion and othering due to restrictive state legislation, such as bathroom bans, sports participation restrictions, and limited access to gender-affirming care. Current research lacks a comprehensive analysis of how state-level legislation affects transgender students. This study addresses that gap by employing qualitative thematic coding to examine the language, framing, and impact of state education policies on transgender students. By analyzing how these policies are framed around themes such as protecting family, safeguarding children, individual liberty, constitutional rights, family rights, and freedom of religion, this research aims to reveal how such framing exacerbates the marginalization and othering of transgender students in public schools. The findings are to inform future policy reforms and advocacy efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for more inclusive policies that protect transgender students from discrimination and violence in public education.

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