York School Department has policy to keep gender identity of students hidden from parents

Parents Defending Education submitted a public records request to the York School Department seeking any guidance on transgender issues. The policy appears to explain that the gender identity of students can be hidden from parents:

If requested by the student or parent(s)/guardian(s), or if deemed necessary by the administration, a meeting should be scheduled to discuss the student’s particular circumstances and needs. The school counselor or administrator should first discuss parent/guardian notification/involvement with the student. In addition to the student, and depending on the particular needs of the student, other participants in the meeting may include the parent(s)/guardian(s), a building administrator, a guidance counselor or social worker, the school nurse, and/or other school staff.

The policy later states: “If a student requests a change to their name and/or gender in school records without parental approval, the Superintendent should 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: “A student who is transgender or gender expansive under this policy should be addressed by school staff and other students by the name and pronoun corresponding to the gender identity asserted at school.” Students are also allowed to use the restrooms and locker rooms that match their preferred gender identity.