White Christian Nationalism and Its Influence on Educational Policies for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 4:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Schools and Contentious Policies and Politics (Table 10)

Abstract

School boards have become battlegrounds for conservative to groups challenge diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, often involving “Critical Race Theory” and LGBTQ+ support. Often central to these disputes are connections to a specific interpretation of Christian faith. This study examines White Christian Nationalism (WCN), a cultural framework advocating the fusion of Christianity with American civil life, and its influence on local educational decision-making. We focus on how WCN attitudes impact policies affecting transgender and gender nonconforming students, defined as individuals whose natal sex does not align with their gender identity or who defy established gender norms. Our study explores how WCN-driven organizing shapes educational decisions, targeting marginalized groups, and aims to understand the broader implications for educational contexts.

Authors

• Katelin G. Trautmann, Pennsylvania State University

• Sherri Castillo, Austin Community College