RTM reinforces support for transgender students
MIDDLETOWN >> The Rose Tree Media School Board reacted to President Donald Trump’s executive order revoking protections for transgender students in public schools by reinforcing the policy it adopted in June.
Policy 253, which addresses the acknowledgement and treatment of transgender and gender non-conforming students, “will remain in effect as written,” said Vice President Liz Schneider during the February meeting.
“The board, as well as the superintendent, has received inquiries regarding the district’s reaction to President Trump’s directives regarding the treatment of transgender students,” she read during the president’s report. “Our policy was written, debated and adopted with the best interest of our students in mind.”
The executive order rescinded federal guidelines specifying transgender students have the right to use public school restrooms that match their gender identity. A “Dear Colleague” letter, issued jointly by the federal departments of Education and Justice, directed schools to disregard memos issued by the Obama administration concerning transgender student rights “in order to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved,” it said.
TheRoseTreeMediapolicydescribestheguidelines for addressing the needs of transgender and gendernon-conformingstudentsandclarifieshow to protect their safety and legal rights. It outlines ways to insure student privacy, make changes to official records and provide access to restrooms, locker rooms, physical education classes and intramural and interscholastic sports.
The policy also speaks to discrimination and harassment, noting any incident must be given immediate attention and investigation, taking appropriate corrective action and providing students and staff with suitable resources.
After the meeting, Superintendent Jim Wigo noted the importance of maintaining the policy.
“It is another example of this district recognizing the diversity of our students and the community in general,” he said. “We must make sure that every member of our community is safe and secure.”