Conservatives

I've worked with teachers a lot over last several years. They definitely have to put up with ever-changing rules.

I think just using the name (first name_last name) that the pupil is registered at the school under, is the safe way to go. If the child wants to go by a different name, then the parent can update the registration info. Then teacher can address child by the different name--after student registration has been updated.

Then just say "they" and "person," and drop any he/she boy/girl references. That way everyone is covered regardless of laws, fads, or personal preferences. It's extreme, but it's the way so stay out of any drama.

Before I retired, that's how referred to my co-workers.

Example conversation that I'd have:

Co-worker: "Hey, do you know where Julie is? Did she go to lunch?"

Me: "Not sure. I think they mentioned something about lunch, but I don't know the timing or anything. Call them on the phone I guess?"

No one ever had an issue, or as far as I can tell, even noticed what I was doing. Kept me from having to keep up with preferences or anything.

I’ll be moving to Florida soon. I want to live in a red state again. The culture war isn’t that important to me. For some people it is.