Woonsocket Education Department has policy to keep gender identity of students hidden from parents

The Woonsocket Education Department has a policy in place titled “Transgender Student Non-Discrimination Policy.” The policy explains that the gender identity of students can be hidden from parents: “If appropriate, Department staff may also privately ask transgender or gender non-conforming students at the beginning of the school year how they want to be addressed in class, in correspondence to the home, or at conferences with the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s).” The policy also states that notifying parents can be dangerous

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.

Staff are mandated to use the preferred pronouns of students: “Upon being informed that a student intends to regularly use a particular name and/or prefers to be addressed using particular pronouns that correspond to the student’s gender identity, school personnel are expected to respect that decision.” Students are also allowed to use the restrooms and locker rooms as well as participate in sports according to their preferred gender identity.

The policy additionally has the “Gender Support Plan” and “Gender Support Plan: Documentation Assistant” documents included. The “Documentation Assistant” part has a section dedicated in how to deal with parents when students do not want them knowing about their gender identity.