Schools should be a place that welcomes and supports students from all walks of life. When LGBTQ issues are woven into education, more people, especially young people will raise their awareness of gender inequity and likely adopt the perspective that LGBTQ persons are human, they are just as creative, intelligent and responsible citizens just as other non LGBTQ people are. Incorporating LGBTQ issues is just one way schools can improve how they meet the educational needs of all students, families and their respective communities. Furthermore, this should not be a distraction in class. The teacher has to set the tone. It is no different than another student coming to class with a new haircut.

A school should be a place where students feel safe and comfortable to express themselves. It is important to not draw additional attention to this boy so that his classmates don't see him as a distraction.

Teachers are to provide a safe and welcoming classroom for all students. Teachers are not to judge or punish a student for being different and should focus on creating this type of environment for their students. A student's right should not be considered a distraction to the other students.

Implying that the student should not be wearing makeup or lipstick infringes on their rights to express themselves. If he is of appropriate age and it does not break any school dress code rules, it should not be a problem.

The teacher who believes that a male wearing nail polish and lipstick is a distraction is wrong and needs to be educated that it is okay for males to partake it traditional female activities. In order to minimize distractions, they should take some time out of the class to talk about the LGBT world and their rights as human beings, that way if the students come across this in the outside world, they won't be thrown off.

I think you can talk to your class about respect to diversity. Teachers need to be flexible and welcoming. Like someone said in another post, you set the tone for your class and students know that in your class no one is allowed to make fun of others or pick on others. I think this student will also have to learn how to overcome adversity, (kids getting distracted for the way he looks is not going to be the first time) but he needs to get respect from others.

As long as this student is not breaking any dress code rules, he should be allowed to express himself in any way he wants! As the teacher, I would not call any attention to the student's dress and set the tone that it is completely normal. If the teacher is calling attention the student's dress, other students are sure to follow suit. If I heard any other students making fun of this student, I would immediately address the issue.

I would minimize the distractions by creating lesson plans that allow finger painting. My motto is "If you can't beat them, join them"!

Students should be allowed to express themselves within reason. Schools should be welcoming of all students and lifestyles. If it's not being made into a big deal by administration, then it won't be a big deal. Most children don't care about boys in nail polish. It's often the adults making a big deal. Students should feel comfortable in their own clothes and it's important for them to be able to discover themselves.

Regardless of opinion this shouldn't be a distraction. This is eye opening as to where our priorities are for students in school. Student's shouldn't place emphasis on others preference in how they live (as long as it's not hurting anyone). Welcoming all walks of life would eliminate such things being a distraction. Growth should be the main goal in school and treating students based on their preference as a distraction is counter productive to that goal.

I don't see why it would be a distraction but maybe let them talk about things like that during their free time? It's important for students to be able to express themselves so it may be difficult at first to get them to focus. However, encourage them to continue their conversations during recess or after school to prevent them from being distracted during a lesson.

Empathy is not really the problem, you may not want to not draw that much attention to it. If the teacher doesnt care why should the studnets. Many schools have zones or rules to protect studnet like this and make sure that they are put to good use. If them wearing make-up beomcase a problem either teasing or bullying make sure to point out that they have every right to wear what they want as long as it part of the dress code. If it doesnt break rules it is fine and should not be made fun of.

i would speak with the student and ask if there is another way that they can express themselves without distracting others. If not, I would work around it. Every student deserves to be themselves.