Scarborough Public Schools has policy that appears to explain that students can make decisions regarding their gender identity without parental consent

Parents Defending Education submitted a public records request to Scarborough Public Schools seeking any guidance on transgender issues. The district provided PDE with a policy titled “Transgender and Gender Expansive Students.” The policy appears to explain that students can make decisions regarding their gender identity without input from parents by stating that a student “or” parent should inform the school district: “A transgender or gender expansive student or their parent(s)/guardian(s) should contact the building administrator or the student’s guidance counselor.” The policy also appears to state that students can decide whether their parents are told:

In the case of a student who has not yet informed their parent(s)/guardian(s), the administrator shall first discuss parent/guardian involvement with the student. The student shall be notified by the administrator prior to contacting their parent(s)/guardian(s).

The policy then builds on this point: “If a minor student requests a change to their name and/or gender in school records without parental approval, the Superintendent shall be consulted, and the matter resolved on a case-by-case basis.”

Staff and students are mandated to use the preferred pronouns of other students: “The student shall be addressed by school staff, substitutes, volunteers and other students by the name and pronoun corresponding to their gender identity that is asserted at school.” Students are also allowed to use the restrooms and locker rooms that match their preferred gender identity.

The district additionally provided PDE with a document labeled as a “Student Gender Support Plan.” This plan asks for a student’s “preferred gender identity,” “preferred gender expression,” and “preferred pronouns.” An entire section of the plan is dedicated to the issue of “gender fluidity.”