Post by Ayla on Mar 27, 2016 8:09:19 GMT 8
www.providencejournal.com/news/20160325/first-in-state-cumberland-school-board-unanimously-approves-transgender-policy
CUMBERLAND, R.I. -- Cumberland is now the first public school district in Rhode Island to have a formal policy protecting transgender students.
The School Committee on Thursday voted 7-0 to approve the policy following months of research by Rachel Santa, the school district's director of special education. The policy allows students to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity. Students who feel uncomfortable using a gender-specific bathroom will be offered a safe alternative, such as the nurse's bathroom.
Mark Fiorillo, a school committee member who chaired the policy subcommittee, said no one spoke in opposition to the plan.
Fiorillo said the thoughtful discussion that led up to the committee's decision renewed his faith in holding elected office.
"Earlier this year, I wasn't going to run again," he said Friday. "This whole process -- hearing from students, from parents and from teachers -- reinvigorated me. It's a very proud moment."
The next step is educating students and staff about the policy. Parents will be notified by email at some point.
Cumberland's decision comes at a time when other communities, including the state of North Carolina, are pushing back against ensuring the rights of transgender people.
Earlier this month, Mount St. Charles Academy, a Roman Catholic school in Woonsocket, sustained harsh criticism after its student handbook said it couldn't accommodate transgender students. The school later apologized and removed the language.
There is no existing state policy on transgender discrimination nor does the state track the number of transgender students. The state Education Department is working on guidelines that it hopes to post soon.
CUMBERLAND, R.I. -- Cumberland is now the first public school district in Rhode Island to have a formal policy protecting transgender students.
The School Committee on Thursday voted 7-0 to approve the policy following months of research by Rachel Santa, the school district's director of special education. The policy allows students to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity. Students who feel uncomfortable using a gender-specific bathroom will be offered a safe alternative, such as the nurse's bathroom.
Mark Fiorillo, a school committee member who chaired the policy subcommittee, said no one spoke in opposition to the plan.
Fiorillo said the thoughtful discussion that led up to the committee's decision renewed his faith in holding elected office.
"Earlier this year, I wasn't going to run again," he said Friday. "This whole process -- hearing from students, from parents and from teachers -- reinvigorated me. It's a very proud moment."
The next step is educating students and staff about the policy. Parents will be notified by email at some point.
Cumberland's decision comes at a time when other communities, including the state of North Carolina, are pushing back against ensuring the rights of transgender people.
Earlier this month, Mount St. Charles Academy, a Roman Catholic school in Woonsocket, sustained harsh criticism after its student handbook said it couldn't accommodate transgender students. The school later apologized and removed the language.
There is no existing state policy on transgender discrimination nor does the state track the number of transgender students. The state Education Department is working on guidelines that it hopes to post soon.
