A former Energy Department nuclear waste official, Sam Brinton, who is facing significant prison time, once helped a nonprofit organization create a model school policy that tells schools to hide gender identity or sexual orientation changes from "unaffirming" parents.
From 2017 to 2020, Brinton was at the head of the Trevor Project, an LGBT group that focuses on youth suicide prevention, according to Brinton's LinkedIn. In 2019, Brinton played a crucial role in the 37-page booklet "Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention," which restricts teachers from discussing with parents if their LGBT child is suicidal.
"While parents and guardians need to be informed and actively involved in decisions regarding the student's welfare, the school mental health professional should ensure that the parents' actions are in the best interest of the student (e.g., when a student is LGBTQ and living in an unaffirming household)," the booklet read.
The booklet was also published by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the American School Counselor Association, as well as the National Association of School Psychologists.
Brinton was appointed in January to the position of deputy assistant secretary for spent fuel and waste disposition at the Energy Department's Office of Nuclear Energy. The now-former official was charged with allegedly stealing a suitcase in September estimated to be worth $2,325, and in July, another suitcase valued at $3,670, according to the DOJ.
Brinton is a biological male who identifies as nonbinary. He was the first nonbinary person to work as a top Energy Department official. During his tenure, Briton managed a $45 million budget and 100 federal government staffers.
Regarding the Trevor Project's model policy, it is adopted in full or partially by Arizona, Idaho, and Virginia. Oregon, California, and New Hampshire school districts have also adopted the policy.
One section of the model, titled "Special Considerations," instructs schools to conceal a child's sexual orientation or gender identity from parents unless the student gives consent.
"When a parent is notified of perceived suicide risk or an attempt, it is essential that the school maintain student confidentiality related to personal information such as sexual orientation or gender identity, especially when the student has not already disclosed to the parent or guardian and does not want it shared," read the model. "Information shared should be restricted to the perceived risk of suicide or facts of the attempt."
"Disclosing a student's sexual orientation or gender identity without their explicit consent can in some cases endanger the student and at a minimum will impair the rapport developed with the professional," the model added.
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