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

Westerly Public Schools has a policy in place titled “Transgender, Gender Nonconforming & Transitioning Students Protocol.” The policy states that the gender identity of secondary students can be hidden from parents: “Generally, notification to a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) about their gender identity, expression, or transition is unnecessary, as they are already aware and supportive.” The policy then states:

If the administration determines that notifying the family carries risks for the student, it 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 age, health, well-being and safety of the student.

Staff are mandated to use the preferred pronouns of students: “Students shall then be addressed by school staff by the name and pronoun corresponding to the student’s gender identity according to their wishes.” Students are allowed to use the restrooms and locker rooms as well as participate in sports and overnight field trips according to their preferred gender identity.

The language of the policy appears to be taken from Rhode Island’s statewide transgender policy.