South Dakota’s anti-trans Governor, Kristi Noem, has ignited controversy by penning a letter to the state’s college governing board, urging them to ban drag shows from public college campuses and eradicate all references to “preferred pronouns” in school materials. Governor Noem alleges that higher education is facing a crisis due to the infiltration of liberal ideologies, which she claims have tainted universities and colleges across many states.
In her letter, Noem laments the decline of ideological diversity, open debate, and the pursuit of truth and discovery on campuses, stating that numerous institutions have become one-sided, close-minded, and excessively focused on emotions rather than factual analysis. She also criticizes the teaching of diversity and equity, attributing low graduation rates and post-grad underemployment to the existence of “safe spaces” and diversity initiatives.
Governor Noem’s letter outlines a series of demands for the college governing board, including the prohibition of drag shows and the eradication of pronoun preferences. Ironically, her requests also call for the removal of any policies or procedures that impede students’ freedom of speech.
Additionally, Noem announced the establishment of a whistleblower hotline for citizens to report concerns related to higher education institutions within the state. This initiative aims to provide students, faculty, and parents with a platform to voice their apprehensions and ensure that they are addressed appropriately.
Kristi Noem, widely believed to harbor presidential ambitions, has consistently focused her tenure as governor on policies that target and marginalize transgender youth. Last year, she signed a bill banning transgender girls and women from participating in school sports, proudly proclaiming her gratitude for the opportunity to do so. Furthermore, she released a national television ad celebrating the upcoming transgender sports ban, presenting it as the most robust legislation in the nation safeguarding female sports.
Earlier this year, Noem signed a contentious gender-affirming care ban, placing the licenses and certifications of doctors at risk if they provide gender-affirming care to trans youth. Parents are granted the ability to sue doctors for civil damages up to three years after treatment or until the minor patient reaches the age of 25, enabling legal action against medical professionals involved in supporting transgender individuals. These measures contradict the best practices recommended by esteemed medical associations and organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the American Psychological Association. Numerous studies have demonstrated the adverse impact of societal non-acceptance and limited access to gender-affirming care on the already alarming rates of suicide among transgender youth.
As the nation watches South Dakota closely, activists within the LGBTQ community express their deep concern over Governor Noem’s unwavering pursuit of policies that further marginalize and endanger transgender individuals. The implications of these measures extend beyond state borders, potentially setting a precedent for similar discriminatory actions across the country.
