CPS Introduces New Guidelines to Support Transgender Students, Employees and Adults

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Education

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Education

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced the implementation of new guidelines to support transgender students, employees and adults to ensure CPS schools are safe, welcoming environments for everyone in the school community. For the first time, CPS is providing clear guidance on restroom, locker room and overnight trip accessibility, and establishing support for employees and adults in addition to students. CPS’ new guidelines build on the student guidelines implemented in 2014, which clarified, among other things, that transgender and gender nonconforming students should be provided the same opportunities to participate in physical education, sexual health education, sports, clubs and school events as all other students. The new guidelines will help ensure transgender students and students questioning their gender identity will not be denied access to the same educational opportunities that are afforded to their peers – including the ability to participate in overnight field trips – due to their transgender status. The guidelines clearly establish that transgender students must be able to participate in overnight field trips in accordance with their gender identity, and additional accommodations should be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the needs of each student are met.

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