FARMINGTON — Regional School Unit 9 directors voted Tuesday to adopt guidelines that ensure transgender students will have equal access to educational programs and activities.
Voting in favor were Chairwoman Jennifer Zweig-Hebert of Starks, Vice Chairwoman Betsey Hyde of Temple, Jennifer Pooler of New Sharon, Helen Wilkey of Vienna, Richard Hargreaves of New Vineyard, Dr. Robert Patterson of Industry, Angie LeClair and Cherieann Harrison of Wilton, and Scott Erb, Iris Silverstein and Tami Labul of Farmington.
Directors Nancy Crosby of Weld and Keith Swett of Wilton opposed the vote.
Directors Ryan Morgan and Doug Dunlap, both of Farmington, were absent.
The purpose of the guidelines provided by Drummond Woodsum law firm and reviewed by the board’s Policy Committee is to foster a learning environment that is safe, and free from discrimination, harassment and bullying; and assist in the educational and social integration of transgender students in district schools.
The guidelines are not federally required, Superintendent Tom Ward said. However, the school system is required to follow the state and federal nondiscrimination laws.
Any inappropriate exposure of one’s self would be handled through the harassment policy or student code of conduct.
District staff, parents and the student will work together to develop a plan for the student.
Under the guidelines, a student who has been identified as transgender will be permitted to use the restrooms assigned to the gender which the student consistently asserts at school. A transgender student who expresses the need for privacy will be provided with reasonable alternative facilities or accommodations such as using a separate stall or a staff facility. A student will not be required to use a separate non-communal facility over his/her objections, according to the guidelines.
Transgender students will also be permitted to use the locker room assigned to the gender, which the student consistently asserts at school. They will not be required to use a locker room that conflicts with that assertion.
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