Albuquerque Public Schools has transgender policy that appears to leave parents in the dark regarding their children’s gender identity

Albuquerque Public Schools has a policy in place titled “Non-Discrimination for Students: Gender Identity and Expression.” The policy is unclear if parents will be involved in the gender transitioning of their children at school. The policy explains that support teams for students will “include, at a minimum, the student, his/her parents, the principal, counselor, District Title IX Director, if requested, an advocate or representative of the parents’ choice (if any), a medical professional of the parents’ choice (if any), personnel familiar with the issues (as needed), and relevant site personnel familiar with the student.”

However, the policy also states that “transgender and gender non-conforming students shall have the right to discuss and express their gender identity and expression openly and to decide when, with whom, and how much to share private information.” The policy then provides language that school districts often use to ensure that the gender identity of students is kept a secret from parents:

When contacting the parent/legal guardian of a transgender student, school staff shall use the student’s legal name and the pronoun corresponding to the student’s gender assigned at birth unless the student or parent/ legal guardian has specified otherwise.

The policy also mandates teachers and staff to use the preferred pronouns and names of students: “Students shall have the right to be addressed by a name and pronoun corresponding to their gender identity that is asserted at school.” The policy shall also “apply to an intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s gender identity.”

Students are also allowed to use their preferred restrooms and locker rooms regardless of their biological sex. Students additionally “shall be permitted to participate in physical education classes and intramural sports in a manner consistent with their gender identity.”