The New York State Education Department released new guidelines on Monday to foster safe and supportive environments for transgender and LGBTQ students.
The 42-page document delineated measures to accommodate students’ self-identified gender, including guidelines for bathroom use and record modification to affirm gender identities.
Citing a 2021 Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network survey, the report emphasized the urgency of its recommendations, noting that 68% of students between 13 and 21 felt unsafe at school due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
The report asserted that the affirmation of a student’s gender identity requires no more than their stated preferences and emphasized the student’s autonomy during their transition.
It further advised that the students’ privacy must be respected, particularly in situations where it might be unsafe for their families to be aware of their transition. The document also recommended that school staff, upon a student’s request, assist in informing peers about their transition and take proactive steps to assess and safeguard the student’s overall wellbeing.
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