Impact of Liberal Researcher's Report on Gender-Affirming Care in Schools

Impact of Liberal Researcher’s Report on Gender-Affirming Care in Schools

In hopes of protecting children, Highline and other Washington schools have adopted inclusive gender policies based on studies that promote “gender-affirming care.” However, MIT Professor Alex Byrne—who identifies as a liberal and an atheist—insists his conclusions are grounded in scientific literature, not ideology. Burne and other researchers have concluded that such treatments are not safe or effective for youth. What will schools do now?

On Thursday June 27, MIT philosophy professor Alex Byrne revealed in a Washington Post Op-Ed that he co-authored the Trump-era Health and Human Services (HHS) report that cast doubt on the medical and ethical justification for gender transitions in minors. The report, released in May of this year, concluded that current evidence does not support puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgeries for youth as safe or effective treatments for gender dysphoria.

Byrne wrote that he chose to remain anonymous initially to keep the focus on the evidence, not the author. Now that his name is public, he stands by the findings, calling the report a “cautious, evidence-based assessment.” He added, “There is no good evidence that hormonal or surgical transition in minors reduces suicide risk.”

In the Op-Ed, Byrne further explained “how the medicalized ‘gender affirming care’ approach to treating pediatric gender distress, endorsed by the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, rests on very weak evidence. Puberty blockers followed by cross-sex hormones compromise fertility and may cause lifelong sexual dysfunction (among other adverse effects); surgeries such as mastectomies remove healthy tissue and carry known risks of complications. Medical procedures always have downsides, but in this case no reliable research indicates that these treatments are beneficial to minors’ mental health.”

Byrne admits that the researchers elected to protect themselves by remaining anonymous, knowing that outcry from transgender advocates would be swift and harsh. Indeed, national medical associations have pushed back, calling the review politically motivated and out of step with current standards of care. Byrne—who identifies as a liberal and an atheist—insists his conclusions are grounded in scientific literature, not ideology.

With this revelation, new questions arise for public school districts across the country — including in Washington state — where schools and school-based health clinics are increasingly navigating requests for gender-affirming support services.

What does this mean for Highline schools?

In districts like Highline, where student health services may be offered in partnership with community clinics, the debate is no longer theoretical. Questions around the use of “mature minor” consent laws, communication with parents, and the role of school-based care in initiating or supporting gender transitions are drawing increased public scrutiny.

The Byrne report may intensify calls for transparency and clearer policies. For families, educators, and health providers alike, the stakes are growing — and the national conversation is shifting.