Portsmouth School Department adopted Rhode Island’s statewide policy to keep gender identity of students hidden from parents

The Portsmouth School Department has a policy in place titled “Transgender, Gender Nonconforming and Transitioning Students Policy.” The policy states that the district adopted “the U.S. Department of Education’s Guidance on Transgender Students and the Rhode Island Department of Education’s Guidance on Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students.” Rhode Island’s statewide transgender guidance states the gender identity of secondary students can be hidden from parents: “Generally, notification of a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) about their gender identity, expression, or transition is unnecessary, as they are already aware and may be supportive.” Rhode Island’s policy then states:

School staff 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 health, well-being, and safety of the transitioning student.

The policy further explains: “Therefore, school staff must not disclose information that may reveal a student’s transgender status to others, including parents and other school staff, unless legally required to do so or unless the student has authorized such disclosure (GLSEN, 2015).”

Staff are mandated to use the preferred pronouns of students: “In the case of a transgender student who is enrolling at a new school, it is important that the school respect the student’s privacy and preferred name.” Students are allowed to use the restrooms and locker rooms as well as participate in sports according to their preferred gender identity.