Columbus City Schools Faces Backlash After Student Names Reverted Without Notification
Columbus City Schools recently reverted the names of students in its internal system to those listed on their birth certificates, removing previously recognized preferred names without notifying the affected individuals. This change has had a profound impact, particularly on transgender and nonbinary students who had been using names consistent with their gender identity.
The unexpected change occurred on March 19, when students and educators discovered the update during attendance checks in the district’s database, Infinite Campus. Many were caught off guard, with students learning of the change only as their names were publicly called in class.
One parent recounted how their transgender son learned of the change through a teacher who advised him to visit the office after his preferred name did not appear in the system. Distressed, the student left for the bathroom and called his parent in a state of panic.
Izetta Thomas, lead organizer with the Columbus Education Justice Coalition, has been in contact with several families and students since the incident occurred. She emphasized the shock and emotional toll it had on the school community, noting that the preferred names had previously been entered with full parental consent through official district procedures.
“The names listed were there because parents had completed the necessary documentation,” Thomas stated. “To see them suddenly removed without forewarning was deeply unsettling.”
One parent shared that, out of concern for her child’s safety, she withdrew him from the school. Since the incident, her son has not returned to class, effectively interrupting his access to education.
In response, Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman issued a letter to families and staff acknowledging the lack of communication and preparation ahead of the change. She admitted that no advance notice had been given and that adequate support systems were not in place to help those affected manage the emotional consequences.
The district attributed the decision to recent legislative developments in Ohio, such as the “bathroom bill” and the “Parents’ Bill of Rights.” However, Thomas contended that no state law currently requires school districts to remove students’ preferred names from their systems.
“What we’ve heard from the district suggests this was a preemptive measure,” Thomas said. “But an apology alone doesn’t equate to accountability—and accountability is what we are demanding.”
Although Superintendent Chapman personally reached out to at least one parent to express regret, families have voiced frustration over the lack of concrete remedies or next steps.
Members of the Columbus Education Justice Coalition have announced their intent to attend the upcoming Board of Education meeting in support of students and families affected by the district’s actions.
