I strongly oppose the removal of any books from our schools. As a family physician I work every day to better the physical and mental health of children in our community. I can attest that accepting children for who they are and providing a safe and welcoming space for all allows for healthy development and growth into their true authentic selves.

For those saying a unit about gender identity is not age appropriate for kindergarten, consider the following: Between the ages of 2 and 4 years old, children develop an understanding for the differences between genders, learn to use gendered pronouns (he/him, she/her, etc.), and can identify their own gender. Imagine you are 4 or 5 years old and your identity and self-expression do not match what your family, friends or teachers expect of you. This can be confusing and anxiety provoking.

Studies have shown that at least 50% of children and adolescents who are gender diverse or transgender suffer from anxiety and depression (compared to about 20% in their age matched peers) and up to 40% may attempt suicide. How can we help these children? When they are supported to be their authentic selves the risk of depression and suicidal ideation return to the same rate as their peers and rates of anxiety remain only slightly higher.

Having these books available in the classroom signals to children that they are safe and supported in their school.

I would encourage everyone to read these books. They are well-written picture books using age-appropriate language. They deliver messages of self-exploration, affirmation, and inclusion. They provide words for children to better express what they already feel or know to be true about themselves. There is no sexual content in these books.

I have heard people say “just let kids be kids”; I would argue that these books are helping to do just that for a small yet very vulnerable group of kids. When children are free to be themselves, they focus on what kids should be doing — learning and playing — instead of worrying that who they are is wrong or needs to be hidden.

This world is already a stressful and overwhelming place for our kids. Let’s continue to foster an environment of acceptance and respect for all of the children in our community.

Renee Bratspis, M.D.

Middlebury