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

Duluth Public Schools has a policy in place titled “Gender Inclusion” that specifically states that teachers should use the preferred pronouns of students without parental knowledge or support: “Upon written or oral request from a student in grades kindergarten through 12, and regardless of parental consent, a student is to be addressed in classes, announcements, and other school gatherings by the name and/or pronoun requested by the student, unless the student’s principal determines that the use of a particular name would be patently offensive.” The policy then later states:

If a student “comes out” to a staff member, that staff member should not offer this information to the parents unless directly asked by the parents or the student gives the staff member permission to do so. Staff members should, if appropriate, encourage the student to communicate with the parents about their gender identity.

The policy explains that “some transgender students have not talked to their parents about their gender identity and/or do not want their parents to know about their transgender status or gender non-conforming identity based on safety concerns or concerns about a lack of acceptance.”

Students are allowed to use the restrooms and locker rooms and participate in sports according to their preferred gender identity. Students are also allowed to participate in overnight field trips according to their preferred gender identity.