[News] [WI, USA] Central School Board sets policies on treatment of transgender students
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Stephanie Stevens
Aug 27, 2016, 8:58:54 AM8/27/16
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Kenosha News, WI, USA
[8/26/2016]
Central School Board sets policies on treatment of transgender students
BY JILL TATGE-ROZELL
jro...@kenoshanews.com
PADDOCK LAKE — Guidelines that spell out the process by which transgender students can get concerns addressed about a variety of issues — such as which pronouns are used for them by teachers, and restroom or locker room use — have been approved by the Central High School Board of Education.
Superintendent Scott Pierce said the guidelines will most likely become part of the district’s Harassment Policy Guidelines as well its Non-Discrimination Policy Guidelines.
“The primary emphasis is that the district will address each student individually without having a ‘broad base’ guidelines process,” Pierce said. “It is essential we look at each student individually.”
Pierce said it matches practice that has been in place and, because “of the proactive manner” with which the district addresses transgender and gender non-specific students, “this has been a non-issue for these students.”
He said the policy was drafted by the district’s legal counsel. Pierce did submit a sample policy from Menasha as a reference he believes most closely resembles how the district has addressed the needs of its transgender students thus far.
The Board of Education typically approves policy, but not guidelines. “In this case, the board did take action to approve the guidelines due to the sensitivity of the issue,” Pierce said.
Existing district policies already prohibit discrimination, harassment, and bullying of a student based on that student’s actual or perceived transgender identity or gender nonconformity.
According to the approved guidelines:
* A transgender or gender nonconforming student and/or the student’s parent or guardian should contact the building administrator or the student’s guidance counselor with any concerns or requests relating to their gender identity and gender expression at school.
* The building administrator will schedule a meeting to discuss the student’s particular circumstances and needs and may invite or consult with the student’s guidance counselor, school nurse, teachers and other school staff, and outside providers who can assist in developing a plan for that student.
* A written statement from the student and the parents, and possibly from healthcare professionals, affirming the student’s consistent gender identity and expression may be required, among other relevant documentation if applicable.
* A written plan will be presented by the building administrator. If the student or parent has a concern about the plan they can contact the superintendent.
* The student’s plan should address the name and pronouns that the student prefers to be used at school and at school-sponsored programs and activities.
* If a transgender or gender nonconforming student makes any request regarding the use of restrooms or locker rooms, that request shall be reviewed in accordance with the above procedures and determined on a case-by-case basis with the goals of: facilitating the transgender student’s access to physical education, curriculum and other relevant programs and ensuring adequate privacy and safety for all students.
* No student shall be required to use a unisex restroom solely because of the student’s transgender identity or gender nonconformity.
http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/central_school_board_sets_policies_on_treatment_of_transgender_students_489448366.php
[8/26/2016]
Central School Board sets policies on treatment of transgender students
BY JILL TATGE-ROZELL
jro...@kenoshanews.com
PADDOCK LAKE — Guidelines that spell out the process by which transgender students can get concerns addressed about a variety of issues — such as which pronouns are used for them by teachers, and restroom or locker room use — have been approved by the Central High School Board of Education.
Superintendent Scott Pierce said the guidelines will most likely become part of the district’s Harassment Policy Guidelines as well its Non-Discrimination Policy Guidelines.
“The primary emphasis is that the district will address each student individually without having a ‘broad base’ guidelines process,” Pierce said. “It is essential we look at each student individually.”
Pierce said it matches practice that has been in place and, because “of the proactive manner” with which the district addresses transgender and gender non-specific students, “this has been a non-issue for these students.”
He said the policy was drafted by the district’s legal counsel. Pierce did submit a sample policy from Menasha as a reference he believes most closely resembles how the district has addressed the needs of its transgender students thus far.
The Board of Education typically approves policy, but not guidelines. “In this case, the board did take action to approve the guidelines due to the sensitivity of the issue,” Pierce said.
Existing district policies already prohibit discrimination, harassment, and bullying of a student based on that student’s actual or perceived transgender identity or gender nonconformity.
According to the approved guidelines:
* A transgender or gender nonconforming student and/or the student’s parent or guardian should contact the building administrator or the student’s guidance counselor with any concerns or requests relating to their gender identity and gender expression at school.
* The building administrator will schedule a meeting to discuss the student’s particular circumstances and needs and may invite or consult with the student’s guidance counselor, school nurse, teachers and other school staff, and outside providers who can assist in developing a plan for that student.
* A written statement from the student and the parents, and possibly from healthcare professionals, affirming the student’s consistent gender identity and expression may be required, among other relevant documentation if applicable.
* A written plan will be presented by the building administrator. If the student or parent has a concern about the plan they can contact the superintendent.
* The student’s plan should address the name and pronouns that the student prefers to be used at school and at school-sponsored programs and activities.
* If a transgender or gender nonconforming student makes any request regarding the use of restrooms or locker rooms, that request shall be reviewed in accordance with the above procedures and determined on a case-by-case basis with the goals of: facilitating the transgender student’s access to physical education, curriculum and other relevant programs and ensuring adequate privacy and safety for all students.
* No student shall be required to use a unisex restroom solely because of the student’s transgender identity or gender nonconformity.
http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/central_school_board_sets_policies_on_treatment_of_transgender_students_489448366.php
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