Barrington Public Schools has policy to keep gender identity of students hidden from parents

Barrington Public Schools has a policy in place titled “Transgender, Gender Nonconforming and Transitioning Students.” The policy states that the gender identity of secondary students can be hidden from parents: “Generally, notification to a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) about their gender identity, expression, or transition is unnecessary, as they are already aware and supportive.” The policy then makes this point clear:

If the administration determines that notifying the family carries risks for the student, it should work closely with the student to assess the degree to which, if any, the family will be involved in the process and must consider the age, health, well-being and safety of the student.

Staff are mandated to use the preferred pronouns of students: “Students shall then be addressed by school staff by the name and pronoun corresponding to the student’s gender identity according to their wishes.” Students are allowed to use the restrooms and locker rooms as well as participate in sports according to their preferred gender identity.

The district uses a gender support plan that appears to borrow language and questions from Gender Spectrum’s support plan template. Gender Spectrum is an organization known for targeting children with LGBTQ issues. This plan specifically asks: “Are parent(s)/Guardian(s) of the student aware and supportive of their child’s gender status?” The next question asks: “If not, what considerations must be accounted for in implementing this plan? What strategies will be taken to involve the parents over time?”

The language of the policy appears to be taken from Rhode Island’s statewide transgender policy.