cno essay contest 2023

2023 CNO NAVAL HISTORY ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS:

(e.g. [email protected])

Remember me

Forgot Password?

• SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III
• Combatant Commands
• Holiday Greetings Map
• Taking Care of Our People
• Focus on the Indo-Pacific
• Support for Ukraine
• Value of Service
• Face of Defense
• Science and Technology
• Publications
• Storytellers
• Tell Your Story
• Media Awards
• Hometown Heroes

Hometown News

• Create Request
• Media Press Kit

• DVIDS DIRECT

Media Requests

About dvids.

• Privacy & Security
• Copyright Information
• Accessibility Information
• Customer Service

Winners of CNO’s 2023 Naval Essay Contest Announced

Photo By Clifford Davis | 230921-N-FJ200-0043: ANNAPOLIS, MD. (Sept. 21, 2023) Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, acting... ... read more read more

Photo By Clifford Davis | 230921-N-FJ200-0043: ANNAPOLIS, MD. (Sept. 21, 2023) Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, acting Superintendent for the Naval Academy; Naval History and Heritage Command Director, retired Rear. Adm. Sam Cox, and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Naval Institute, retired Vice Adm. Peter H. Daly present awards to Mr. Andrew Blakley for his first prize essay in the Professional Historian Category titled, “A Double-Edged Sword: The Legacy Bases of the Central Pacific,” during the McMullen Naval History Symposium held at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The CNO Naval History Essay Contest originated in 2017 began under then CNO John Richardson to further understanding of how lessons from history can inform the Navy’s way ahead. The goal of the contest is to leverage the knowledge and creativity of current and former uniformed and civilian members of the U.S. maritime services, the Merchant Marines, and professional historians to broaden and deepen the Navy’s warfighting knowledge by applying lessons from history to help ensure maritime superiority in an era of great power competition. Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) manages the annual essay contest on behalf of the CNO, supported by the U.S. Naval Institute – which has been running essay contests since 1878. The symposium, hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy History Department, this world-renowned event is held biennially to highlight the latest research on naval and maritime history from academics and practitioners all over the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Clifford L. H. Davis / RELEASED)   see less | View Image Page

WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, DC, UNITED STATES

Story by monica mccoy  , naval history and heritage command.

WASHINGTON NAVY YARD - Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, Acting Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, presented awards to the recipients of the Chief of Naval Operation’s 2023 Naval History Essay Contest during the McMullen Naval History Symposium luncheon held at the U.S. Naval Academy on Sept. 21. For this year’s contest, 117 essays were submitted — 67 in the Rising Historian category, 13 in the Professional category, and 37 in the Student Historian category. The CNO Naval History Essay Contest originated in 2017 began under then CNO Adm. John Richardson to further understanding of how lessons from history can inform the Navy’s way ahead. The goal of the contest is to leverage the knowledge and creativity of current and former uniformed and civilian members of the U.S. maritime services, the Merchant Marines, and professional historians to broaden and deepen the Navy’s warfighting knowledge by applying lessons from history to help ensure maritime superiority in an era of great power competition. “Our Navy’s story is ever-growing, and our fleet’s legacy shines bright. This endeavor is personally important to me,” said Kacher who is also the author of several Naval Institute Press books. “I’m a Sailor by trade, but my writing life – which is a vocation – started with a contest similar to this. That was the gateway for me to explore, think, learn and write. And I could not be more grateful for this tradition that we have – started nearly a century ago – that still provides a venue to celebrate independent thought. I want to praise all the contestants for having the courage to write and submit an essay. All the participants faced the writer’s greatest adversary – the blank page ... Your submissions and efforts have tremendous value to the fleet. We may not be able to predict the future. We don’t know what competition or conflict tomorrow may bring, but the rigorous study and reflection can assure we are better prepared for whatever challenges remain ahead." Previous years of the competition had only two categories: Professional and Rising. This year’s contest expanded the competition to include a Student Historian category. Award recipients were as follows: Professional Historian award recipients • First place: Mr. Andrew Blackley; “A Double-Edged Sword: The Legacy Bases of the Central Pacific,” Independent scholar and 2nd place Professional Historian category recipient in 2022 • Second place: Cmdr. Jeff Vandenengel, “Fighting Sail and Submarines” Blackley’s first-place Professional Historian Category essay encourages leaders to consider the forward-looking strategic dilemma Adm. Chester Nimitz’ offered in 1944 regarding remaining WWII-constructed island bases and airfields in the Pacific Theater. The legacy bases of the Central Pacific, while supporting defensive and offensive support that gave the United States the advantage during the Second World War, also provide a means for forces to move in either direction, and the possibility of new aggressors to utilizing them to assert dominance in the Indo-Pacific area. Rising Historian award recipients • First Place: (co-authors) Maj. Ryan Ratcliffe, U.S. Marine Corps, and Dr. Douglas Bryant; “Learning from History in the Making: Combining Lessons from Ukraine and Naval History to Attain Maritime Superiority” • Second Place: Cmdr. Richard O. Morgan, U.S. Naval Reserve; “Disruptive Technologies and Great Power Conflict: The Maritime Propeller Case Study” • Third Place: Lt. Vince Kindfuller, U.S. Navy; “Rekindling Innovation in Naval Exercises: Lessons from the Interwar Fleet Problems, 1923-1940” In the Rising Historian Category, Ratcliffe’s and Bryant's first-place entry assesses current and historical conflicts to illustrate while deterrence should remain a core tenet of the national defense strategy, investing in warfighting capabilities that cement our tactical advantage – particularly in the maritime domain – must take precedence. Student Historian award recipients • First Place: Midshipman First Class Liam Nawara, U.S. Naval Academy; “Lessons for a Wartime U.S. Navy: STUFT Vessels in the Falklands War” • Second Place: Midshipman First Class Nels J. Waaraniemi, U.S. Naval Academy; “The Invasion that Never Was: Operation Causeway and its Lessons” • Third Place: Midshipman Third Class Pierre S. Briand, University of Southern California, NROTC; “Rivalry and Confusion at Leyte: Lessons for Sea Control in the Pacific” Nawara’s winning Student Historian Category essay looks at how the Royal Navy had to rely upon converted commercial “ships take up from trade (STUFT)” vessels for military use in 1982 after divesting their warfare assets the previous year. Nawara suggests the U.S. Navy could face a similar capability gap in future conflicts and analyzes the British use of these vessels to offer challenges and success the U.S. might face undertaking a commercial vessel conversion program. Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) manages the annual essay contest on behalf of the CNO, supported by the U.S. Naval Institute – which has been running essay contests since 1878. “History is not a collection of nostalgia to be pulled out for anniversaries. History in its true form is the systematic study and documentation of a past to inform a future. As the U.S. Navy’s institutional memory, Naval History and Heritage Command continually strives to preserve and present an accurate history of the U.S. Navy, sharing hard-won historical lessons in support of current operations,” said NHHC Director Samuel Cox. “We take our mission seriously, and these annual essay awards are just one way we invite others to join us in that endeavor. The essays authored by this year’s award recipients are diverse, insightful, historical perspectives meant to influence and improve future operations.” All winning essays will be published in USNI’s Proceedings or Naval History in 2024. Following publication, essays will be available (along with additional information on the CNO Naval Essay Contest) at https://www.history.navy.mil/get-involved/essay-contest.html. NHHC, located at the Washington Navy Yard, is responsible for the preservation, analysis, and dissemination of U.S. naval history and heritage. It provides the knowledge foundation for the Navy by maintaining historically relevant resources and products that reflect the Navy's unique and enduring contributions through our nation's history and supports the fleet by assisting with and delivering professional research, analysis, and interpretive services. NHHC is composed of many activities including the Navy Department Library, the Navy Operational Archives, the Navy art and artifact collections, underwater archeology, Navy histories, ten museums, USS Constitution repair facility and the historic ship Nautilus. For more news from NHHC, visit www.history.navy.mil --NHHC-- Note to Media: For more information, contact the Naval History and Heritage Command Public Affairs Office at 202-433-7880 or [email protected].

LEAVE A COMMENT

Public domain  .

This work, Winners of CNO’s 2023 Naval Essay Contest Announced , by Monica Mccoy , identified by DVIDS , must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright .

CONNECTED MEDIA

MORE LIKE THIS

Controlled vocabulary keywords.

No keywords found.

•   Register/Login to Download

DVIDS Control Center

• 404-282-1450
• [email protected]

Web Support

• [email protected]
• 1-888-743-4662
• Links Disclaimer
• No FEAR Act
• Small Business Act
• Open Government
• Strategic Plan
• Inspector General
• Sexual Assault Prevention
• DVI Records Schedule
• DVI Executive Summary
• Section 3103

Latah County Human Rights Task Force

Strengthening the bonds of community to embrace diversity and reject bigotry..

Welcome to the Latah County Human Rights Task Force webpage!

Congratulations to the 2023-2024 MLK Art and Essay Contest winners!

This year’s theme was FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND OUR LIBRARIES

The winners for the Art Contest were Cece Rose Ristene (St. Mary’s), Eduarda Gurge (Moscow Charter), Quinten Rowley (Moscow Charter), Hayley Cohee (Moscow Charter),

The winners for the Essay Contest included Cordelia Haley (Lena Whitmore), Leo Johnson (St. Mary’s), Fern Newlan (St. Mary’s), Catherine Apt (McDonald), Amy Zhou (Moscow Charter School), Naya Lee (Lena Whitmore), Emily Scout Heward (Lena Whitmore), Nora Algarni (Moscow Middle School), Lillian Camin, (Moscow Middle School), and Morgan Apt (Moscow High School).

A little about us and ways to become involved!

Our 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on January 21st was a great success with an excellent presentation by Dr. Scott Finnie. A video of the Breakfast, including the Rosa Parks Awards and Dr. Finnie’s speech is now available here: 2023 Breakfast and Friends of Human Rights .

The Rosa Parks Award winners are available here: 2023 Rosa Parks Award Winners | Latah County Human Rights Task Force (humanrightslatah.org)

The Art and Essay Contest winners are available here: 2023 Art and Essay Contest Winners | Latah County Human Rights Task Force (humanrightslatah.org)

Dr. Scott Finnie’s Keynote address at the 2023 MLK Jr. Breakfast:

AREA RESPONSE TO ANTISEMITISM

Check out the recent Palouse Pride Day under Recent Events here: Palouse Pride Day 2021

Our mission:  To work for social justice for all people by supporting diversity, respect, and inclusiveness, while opposing bigotry, harassment, and discrimination.

Please click our Announcements tab for current or upcoming events. (For upcoming events visit: Upcoming Events )

These are annual events that the Task Force currently sponsors:

• Martin Luther King Art and Essay Contest – January
• Presentation of Rosa Parks Human Rights Achievement Awards – January
• Human Rights Day at the Moscow Farmer’s Market – September (Visit: HR Day )
• Great Moscow Food Drive – August
• Human Rights Education Programs for Area Schools – throughout the school year

and we encourage you to attend or support us in these events.

Meetings of the Latah County Human Rights Task Force are generally held the second Thursday of each month, and you are welcome to attend.

Please visit our Facebook page: Facebook

If you are interested in joining, volunteering, or attending a meeting, please see our Contact Us page: Contact Us

• Admissions Checklist
• Entrance Exams
• Campus Tour Request
• Veteran Services
• Apply for Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• Federal Aid
• EMCC Scholarships
• Forms & Applications
• Recruitment
• Registration
• Priority Registration
• JourneyEAST
• Orientation Resources
• Humanities & Fine Arts
• Math & Science
• Social Sciences & Business
• High School Equivalency Testing
• Writing Center
• Leo Student Platform
• Academic Calendar
• Class Schedules
• College Catalog
• Student Handbook
• Transcript Request
• Golden Triangle
• Communiversity
• West Point Center
• Columbus AFB
• CAMPUS LIFE Athletics Mighty Lion Band Clubs & Organizations Dining Options Events Calendar Health & Recreation Campus Safety & Security Student Housing EMCC Radio WGTC
• Alumni Profiles
• Ways to Give

EMCC STUDENTS PLACE IN STATEWIDE CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST

April 30, 2024

Two East Mississippi Community College students placed in the 2023-24 Mississippi Community College Creative Writing Association’s (MCCWA) annual workshop and contest.

Students from community colleges across Mississippi competed in categories that included Creative Nonfiction, Dramatic Writing, Literary Essay, Poetry and Short Fiction.

EMCC student Elizabythe McBeth took second place in the Short Fiction category for her piece titled “Faded Footprints.”

“It’s like me walking back through my grandparents’ house,” McBeth said. “I would stay with them, along with my two cousins. It was kind of reminiscing about that.”

Arin Franks poem, “Creating for You” earned second place in the Poetry category.

McBeth is a Columbus native who is taking general studies on EMCC’s Golden Triangle campus. She plans to enroll in the Mississippi University for Women’s Department of Baccalaureate Nursing once she graduates from EMCC.

Franks is a Springville, Alabama native who resides in Columbus. She graduated from EMCC last year with majors in political science and English. She is enrolled at Mississippi State University where she is studying pre-law, with an eye towards enrolling at a law school. The MCCWA contest includes entries written in 2023 and early 2024.

Submissions by McBeth and Franks were written while taking EMCC humanities instructor Marilyn Ford’s Creative Writing class.

“Arin is an absolute wonderful poet,” Ford said. “She is a very introspective young lady and her poems are oftentimes about the evolution of self and that transitory time when we begin to try to figure out who we are in our teens.

Works by Franks and McBeth were also featured in EMCC’s magazine of creativity titled “Syzygy.”

The magazine highlights the works of EMCC students in categories that include Ceramics, Creative Nonfiction, Design, Short Fiction, Drawing and Poetry. Faculty advisors and judges choose the winning entries to be included in the magazine.

Franks earned first place in Poetry in the 2023-24 edition of “Syzygy,” while McBeth took top honors in the Short Fiction category. McBeth was also named the recipient of the Betty Killebrew Literary Award, which recognizes the top submission amongst all entries.

Other winners include Haidi Salihaj, who earned first place in the Design category, and Breelyn Smith, who took top honors in the Drawing Category. The winners were honored April 23 during Awards Day on the Golden Triangle campus when instructors recognized their “outstanding students” for the past year. McBeth was also recognized as the “Outstanding Creative Writing Student.”

“I am always pleasantly surprised by the quality of the submissions to our ‘Syzygy’ magazine each year,” Ford said. “This year was no different. We have some very talented students and I am proud of what they have accomplished.”

Campus Tour

Schedule a tour to learn more about EMCC.

"I chose EMCC because it was an approachable opportunity that was affordable. As a first-generation college student, everything was new and scary, and I had no idea what I was doing. The staff, advisors, and instructors were so helpful and welcoming. I will be forever grateful for the way EMCC has impacted my life and opened up opportunity for me!"

"Being a first-generation student at EMCC is not a limitation, it's an opportunity to rewrite my family's story. Every class I attend, every assignment I complete, is a step towards a brighter future. I am a pioneer, and my determination will light the way for those who follow." 

“I chose EMCC because it gave me the best opportunities coming out of high school. I got plenty of scholarships because the school offered so many. I would not have been able to do half of the things that I have done if i didn’t come here. First generation students are already at a disadvantage. If you are able to you should get an education to break the generational curse and create generational wealth for your family. Education is the most powerful tool.”

“As a first gen student, I feel that it is important to obtain a college education because it gives me the opportunity to break barriers for the next generation of my family. I choose EMCC because of the opportunity to get a great education and to make a difference on campus, in the community, and in my family.”

“EMCC has truly become my home!  From the scholarships offered, to the faculty & staff, and friends I have made, I am so thankful I chose to continue my education here!”

1512 Kemper St., Scooba, MS 39358

662.476.5000

8731 South Frontage Rd., Mayhew, MS 39753

662.243.1900

• MCCB/CJA Transparency
• Policies & Notifications
• Non Discrimination Policy
• Campus Directory
• Campus Emergency Plan
• EMCC Transcripts
• Gainful Employment Data

Moscow, Russia – Architectural Splendor at the Heart of Eurasia

Moscow, Russia – Most Populated Cities in the World

Moscow, the capital city of Russia, stands as an architectural testament to the country’s rich history and cultural legacy. This article explores the architectural landscape of Moscow, uncovering its unique blend of historical monuments, Soviet-era structures, and contemporary designs that define this vibrant metropolis.

Population Dynamics of Moscow

From medieval roots to megacity.

Moscow, with a population exceeding 12 million, has evolved from its medieval roots into a bustling megacity. The city’s demographic dynamism reflects its historical significance as a political, economic, and cultural center. Moscow’s urban growth presents challenges and opportunities for architects and urban planners, requiring a delicate balance between preservation and modernization.

Architectural Diversity in Moscow

Kremlin, red square, and the modern skyline.

Moscow’s architectural diversity is a harmonious blend of historical landmarks and contemporary structures. The iconic Kremlin, with its cathedrals and palaces, dominates the cityscape, while the neighboring Red Square provides a historical focal point. Beyond the historical core, Moscow’s skyline is adorned with modern skyscrapers like the Moscow International Business Center, symbolizing the city’s economic and architectural evolution.

Sustainable Architecture Initiatives

Green innovations amidst urban density.

As Moscow confronts environmental challenges and urban density, architects have championed sustainable solutions. Green building practices, energy-efficient designs, and eco-friendly materials are integral to Moscow’s architectural discourse. The city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in projects like Zaryadye Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city.

Urban Planning and Zoning Strategies

Preserving heritage amidst modernization.

Moscow’s urban planning endeavors to preserve its historical heritage while accommodating modern developments. The preservation of architectural gems like St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Pushkin Museum coexists with contemporary urban projects such as the Moscow City residential complexes. Urban planners in Moscow face the challenge of balancing the demands of a growing population with the need to protect the city’s cultural legacy.

Resilience in the Face of Urban Challenges

Adaptable architecture for harsh climates.

Moscow’s architectural resilience is tested by the city’s harsh climate and urban challenges. Architects prioritize designs that can withstand extreme temperatures and adapt to the evolving urban landscape. The use of durable materials and innovative construction techniques showcases Moscow’s commitment to architectural adaptability.

Technological Integration in Moscow’s Architecture

Smart city initiatives and futuristic designs.

Moscow’s architectural landscape seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology for enhanced urban living. Smart city initiatives, digital infrastructure, and futuristic designs like the Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) showcase the city’s commitment to technological innovation. Moscow positions itself as a global hub for modern architectural practices, leveraging technology to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Architectural Icons of Moscow

Kremlin and red square.

The Kremlin and Red Square, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, symbolize Moscow’s historical and political significance. The architectural ensemble, including the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral and the State Historical Museum, reflects Russia’s cultural and religious heritage.

Moscow International Business Center (Moscow City)

Moscow City, with its futuristic skyscrapers, represents the city’s economic prowess and modern aesthetic. The complex includes iconic structures like the Federation Tower and Mercury City Tower, showcasing Moscow’s status as a global financial and architectural hub.

Moscow’s Future Architectural Landscape

As Moscow continues to evolve, the city’s architectural landscape is poised for further transformation. Urban planners and architects are exploring innovative solutions to accommodate the growing population while preserving the city’s unique identity. Moscow’s commitment to sustainable practices, technological integration, and resilient design will shape its architectural future.

In conclusion, Moscow, Russia, stands as a city where architectural marvels narrate the story of a nation’s history and progress. From medieval fortifications to contemporary skyscrapers, Moscow’s architectural landscape is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. As the city looks toward the future, its architectural canvas promises to be a captivating blend of tradition, modernity, and technological innovation at the heart of Eurasia.

Rethinking The Future (RTF) is a Global Platform for Architecture and Design. RTF through more than 100 countries around the world provides an interactive platform of highest standard acknowledging the projects among creative and influential industry professionals.

Shenzhen, China – The Architectural Marvel of Urban Innovation

Bogota, Colombia – Architectural Marvels in the Andean Capital

Related posts.

Fernandez Architecture: Crafting Elegance and Minimalism in Architectural Excellence

Christ Hospital Joint and Spine Center, USA: Revolutionizing Healthcare Architecture

Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care, USA: Elevating Pediatric Healthcare Architecture

The New Hospital Tower at Rush University Medical Center, USA: Redefining Healthcare Architecture Excellence

Teletón Infant Oncology Clinic, Mexico: A Paradigm of Healing Architecture

Pars Hospital, Iran: A Masterpiece of Architectural Ingenuity in Healthcare

• Architectural Community
• Architectural Facts
• RTF Architectural Reviews
• Architectural styles
• City and Architecture
• Fun & Architecture
• History of Architecture
• Design Studio Portfolios
• Designing for typologies
• RTF Design Inspiration
• Architecture News
• Career Advice
• Case Studies
• Construction & Materials
• Covid and Architecture
• Interior Design
• Know Your Architects
• Landscape Architecture
• Materials & Construction
• Product Design
• RTF Fresh Perspectives
• Sustainable Architecture
• Top Architects
• Travel and Architecture
• Rethinking The Future Awards 2022
• RTF Awards 2021 | Results
• GADA 2021 | Results
• RTF Awards 2020 | Results
• ACD Awards 2020 | Results
• GADA 2019 | Results
• ACD Awards 2018 | Results
• GADA 2018 | Results
• RTF Awards 2017 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2017 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2016 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2015 | Results
• RTF Awards 2014 | Results
• RTF Architectural Visualization Competition 2020 – Results
• Architectural Photography Competition 2020 – Results
• Designer’s Days of Quarantine Contest – Results
• Urban Sketching Competition May 2020 – Results
• RTF Essay Writing Competition April 2020 – Results
• Architectural Photography Competition 2019 – Finalists
• The Ultimate Thesis Guide
• Introduction to Landscape Architecture
• Perfect Guide to Architecting Your Career
• How to Design Architecture Portfolio
• How to Design Streets
• Introduction to Urban Design
• Introduction to Product Design
• Complete Guide to Dissertation Writing
• Introduction to Skyscraper Design
• Educational
• Hospitality
• Institutional
• Office Buildings
• Public Building
• Residential
• Sports & Recreation
• Temporary Structure
• Commercial Interior Design
• Corporate Interior Design
• Healthcare Interior Design
• Hospitality Interior Design
• Residential Interior Design
• Sustainability
• Transportation
• Urban Design
• Host your Course with RTF
• Architectural Writing Training Programme | WFH
• Editorial Internship | In-office
• Graphic Design Internship
• Research Internship | WFH
• Research Internship | New Delhi
• RTF | About RTF
• Submit Your Story

Looking for Job/ Internship?

Rtf will connect you with right design studios.

Utah high school removes class assignment on student essay titled ‘It Is So Hard to Be Trans’

The essay, published in the new york times, contained no explicit or “pornographic” content that would have required its removal under utah law..

(Google Maps) Herriman High School, as shown in a 2021 Google Maps image, in Herriman, Utah. Jordan School District officials ordered that a class assignment at the school involving a transgender student's essay be removed.

Jordan School District officials ordered that an assignment involving a Texas student’s essay published in The New York Times titled “It Is So Hard to Be Trans” be removed from a Herriman High School class’s curriculum after it was brought to the attention of administrators.

“We apologize to any student offended by a Herriman High School classroom assignment involving a New York Times student essay and the disruption to learning it may have caused,” district spokesperson Sandra Riesgraf said in a statement Monday.

The district investigated the assignment, “which asked students to break down parts of speech in the essay,” after school administrators were notified, Riesgraf said. The assignment was ultimately removed and is “no longer part of the class.”

“Appropriate administrative action will be taken,” the statement continued, though the statement did not specify what that action would entail.

The district also did not specify why the assignment was removed. The content does not seem to violate Utah’s sensitive materials law .

But it did seem to prompt outrage after photos of the printed-out, stapled essay made rounds in conservative social media circles as early as last Thursday, with some posts claiming students were required to write a response to the essay explaining why being transgender “isn’t a choice.”

Riesgraf said that claim was false. “Students were not required to take a stance or form an opinion on why being trans isn’t a choice,” Riesgraf said. “The assignment was to review the writing, not the subject.”

Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, weighed in on X , formerly Twitter, arguing that he didn’t see how the essay would “fit into any curriculum that is state approved.”

“I’ve asked the district to investigate,” he wrote.

McCay did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Salt Lake Tribune.

The assigned essay had been selected as one of the Top 11 winners in a 2023 student editorial contest through the The Learning Network, a free resource for teachers curated by The New York Times.

It was written by then 16-year-old Callisto Lim, a student at the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. The essay details why Callisto felt scared for their “right to exist,” citing several states that had passed anti-transgender legislation.

“I am scared that if I stay in Texas I will be denied the health care that I need because of people like Governor Greg Abbott,” Callisto wrote.

Callisto’s essay contains no explicit “pornographic or indecent material” that would make it illegal under Utah’s current sensitive materials law.

Utah law also does not explicitly prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity, though lawmakers have made attempts to pass legislation banning such topics in the past.

Earlier this year, Rep. Jeff Stenquist , R-Draper, proposed a bill that would have prevented school officials from “endorsing, promoting, or disparaging certain beliefs or viewpoints,” building upon existing restrictions meant to uphold “constitutional freedom” in Utah public schools.

The bill would have specifically added “gender identity,” “sexual orientation,” and “political and social viewpoints” as restricted topics, but it ultimately failed to pass .

A year prior, Stenquist also ran a bill that would have prohibited any discussion of sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. HB550 took language directly from a controversial Florida bill that became more widely known as the “Don’t Say Gay” measure.

But after pushback from the LGBTQ community, Stenquist revised his draft , lifting the proposed ban on sexual orientation and gender identity but keeping the prohibition on sexuality. The bill failed to pass.

Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible

RELATED STORIES

Utah plan to ban pride flags in classrooms is rejected by house, transgender jordan school district student speaks out as adults discuss school restroom use, school districts await statewide book ban list as utah plans to retroactively enforce new law, weber state university takes utah nurse to next level in life, career., university of utah protests: overnight camping has been allowed before — for espn’s college gameday, university of utah says most arrested at pro-palestine rally are not students, the slamdance film festival is leaving park city after 29 years, university of utah president vows to ‘enforce the rule of law’ as students plan another pro-palestine protest, lds women no longer meet separately with a designated apostle ‘liaison’, featured local savings.