Members of the board of directors of Freedom Oklahoma, like other Oklahomans, believe that all students in our schools should have a fair opportunity to be safe and to learn in an environment that is free from bullying and harassment. All students should be able to learn, thrive, and prepare for their futures in an environment that treats all children and youth fairly and equally under the law. Like every other Oklahoman, we care about the well-being of all children in our st…ate. Because of this, the recent events that occurred in Achille, OK are intolerable. Last week, a series of threatening posts were directed at a 12-year old transgender student on an Achille school district Facebook page by parents and adult members of the community. Freedom Oklahoma denounces these threats of violence and the dehumanizing comments posted on this Achille ISD Facebook page. These comments have caused great alarm in the LGBTQ+ Community in Oklahoma and North Texas. Freedom Oklahoma recognizes that these comments do not reflect the views of fair-minded Oklahomans. They do not respect the ideals of human dignity and freedom that are the core values of our Constitution. We would like to emphasize that gender identity is not a choice and is not malleable. Gender identity is part of a person’s core sense of self, as immutable as any other physical or psychological characteristic. Any threats of violence or physical assault directed at transgender identified people constitute a hate crime, especially when these actions endanger the safety and welfare of a child. Therefore, we urge the Achille Police Department and other relevant authorities to assure a prompt and thorough investigation in the matter. We also advocate for the support and protection of all concerned citizens. Likewise, we desire to see the Achille School District administration and employees embrace their duties in supporting and protecting all students. We emphasize that transgender students have the right to expect equal treatment and access to all school facilities, activities, and services necessary for a quality education without fear of stigma and isolation. We also implore all concerned Oklahomans to protect the privacy and safety of threatened children and their families. Freedom Oklahoma advocates for the fair treatment, access to opportunity, and the full lived equality of all people.