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

Providence Public Schools has a policy in place titled “Transgender and Gender Expansive Students” that explicitly states that the gender identity of students can be hidden from parents. The policy explains: “District staff may not disclose information that may reveal a student’s transgender status or gender nonconforming presentation to others, including, but not limited to, parents, students, volunteers, or other district staff, unless legally required to do so, or unless the student has explicitly authorized such disclosure.” The policy then states that notifying parents could be dangerous:

Generally, notifying a student’s parent/guardian about his or her gender identity, expression, or transition, is unnecessary. In some cases, notifying parents/guardians carries risks for the student, such as family rejection or physical abuse. Prior to notification of any parent/guardian regarding the transition process, school staff should work closely with the student to assess the degree to which, if any, the parent/guardian will be involved in the process and must consider the health, well-being, and safety of the transitioning student.

The policy mandates that staff use the preferred pronouns of students: “Students have the right to be addressed by a name and pronoun that corresponds to the student’s gender identity.” Students are allowed to use the “restrooms, locker rooms, changing facilities, or overnight facilities” that match their preferred gender identity. Students are also allowed to participate in sports according to their preferred gender identity.

Staff will participate in training on “terms, concepts, and current developmental understandings of gender identity, gender expression, and gender diversity in children and adolescents” and “developmentally appropriate strategies for communication with students and parents/guardians about issues related to gender identity and gender expression that protect student privacy.”