Niagara Falls City School District appears to have policy to keep gender identity of students a secret from parents

The Niagara Falls City School District has a policy in place titled “Student Gender Identity” that appears to explain that parents can be left in the dark regarding the gender identity of their children. The policy is dated March 25, 2021. The policy explains that “district staff will use the name and pronoun that corresponds to the gender identity the student consistently asserts at school.” Parents can be left in the dark regarding this decision:

When apprised of a student’s transgender or GNC status, the District will endeavor to engage the student and his or her parents or guardians, as appropriate, in an effort to agree upon a plan that will accommodate the student’s individual needs at school. Transgender and GNC students have the right to discuss and convey their gender identity and expression openly and to decide when, with whom, and how much to share this confidential information.

The phrase “as appropriate” is often used to explain that the gender identity of students can be kept a secret from parents.

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