We Have Entered a World of Groupthink

In the aftermath of the Obama administration’s sweeping transgender decree, it’s worth considering just how this will play out in local schools.

One thing that strikes me as particularly unique about this rule is how it is unlike other disagreements about sexuality within the culture war.

For example, while there is debate at the public school level about abstinence education versus comprehensive sex education, there is no policy that requires students to fornicate. There is no policy telling students that they’re wrong to believe that fornication is wrong. While the law allows for a false belief about how to channel sexuality, it doesn’t mandate that every student accept it.

The transgender decree by the Obama administration is altogether different. It stifles debate altogether. If I may briefly summarize how this ruling is different than other controversial policies, this policy is going to require active suppression of the view that men and women are intrinsically different and complementary.

Official government policy is now denying that there’s anything unique or objective about our biological sex because it is superseded by the authority of psychology and self-description. This is a comprehensive claim made about human nature. It is the nature of claims like this that will lead the government to correct any dissenting opinion.

So, for example: When Sarah says to her teacher that she thinks it’s wrong that Margaret (formerly Michael) is using the same restroom and locker room as she is, what is the teacher to do but correct this new bigotry? Sarah is in violation of government policy. Even worse, to the thinking of the Obama administration, Sarah is committing an act of discrimination and even violence against Margaret by failing to affirm Margaret.

The reach of this is jaw-dropping. Student speech will be stifled.

Up is down. Down is up.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have entered a world of groupthink.