Providence School Board passes policy to better support transgender students

PROVIDENCE MAYOR Jorge O. Elorza said the city "is removing barriers and making a difference for our transgender and gender expansive students." / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
PROVIDENCE MAYOR Jorge O. Elorza said the city "is removing barriers and making a difference for our transgender and gender expansive students." / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

PROVIDENCE – The School Board on Monday night passed a districtwide policy to support transgender and gender-expansive students.

“Providence is removing barriers and making a difference for our transgender and gender expansive students,” Mayor Jorge O. Elorza said in a statement.

He added: “This policy strengthens the commitments made in Providence, in the state and by President Obama to make our schools more inclusive and welcoming to all students. It is the right thing to do, and I am proud that Providence is helping lead the way.”

The policy is built on the foundation set by Elorza for a welcoming school system that is free of discrimination.

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Included in the policy are guidelines stating that students may choose the restroom and changing area they wish to use and will be provided private restrooms and changing areas if they so desire. Under the new policy, when choosing teams for intramural sports both gender identity and gender expression will be taken into account. However, students involved in interscholastic sports follow Rhode Island Interscholastic League rules.

In addition, the policy will implement a Transgender and Gender Expansive Student Point Team in each school; made up of trained teachers, administrators, parents, social workers, counselors and health and physical education staff; these groups will provide individualized support plans for students and their families.

Regarding the creation of the Transgender and Gender Expansive Student Point Teams, Providence Public Schools Superintendent Christopher N. Maher said: “Professional development for our staff is a critical component of the transgender student policy. We want to make sure that Providence Public School employees understand how best to respect and support all our students.”

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