The Manhattan school board on Wednesday took its first step toward instituting a policy to protect transgender students.
The policy, which the board approved on 4-1 vote, includes giving students the right to be addressed by the names or pronouns that align with their identities, and defines terms like transgender and gender expression. It also allows students to use restrooms that correspond to their gender identity.
Weve written on this topic before in this space. When the district first began to explore creating a policy in December, we said we were willing to listen, but we werent sure it was necessary to enunciate guidelines. After all, the school district already forbids discrimination of students on the basis of gender identity. And it doesnt have separate policies for other protected classifications such as gender and religion.
But we ought to acknowledge that like a lot of people, we dont know everything about the transgender community and its needs. Some of these issues are new, and were trying to keep up as the world continues to change.
In hearing board members comments about the policy Wednesday, we see that the lack of knowledge about gender identity and gender expression is precisely the reason the district might want to provide additional direction.
PEOPLE MAY NOT agree with every element of the new policy. And we can understand some of those concerns. For example, the decision to deal with locker room rules on a case-by-case basis could make some people uncomfortable. We agree with one commenter who said the board should continue to consider that part.
But this policy is giving staff members, students, parents and members of the community clear directions for how to deal with certain situations and how to behave. It is a reference for people who may not have encountered many transgender people before. In an unfamiliar situation, it can be a good thing to have established rules. It can help people feel more comfortable and gain understanding.
Board member Katrina Lewison said the policy will help officials deal with any situation that comes along.
When you set guidelines, you consider many things that could happen … and try to protect the students theyre affecting, she said.
We agree that all students should feel they have a safe and comfortable environment in which to learn. We hope this new policy helps to accomplish that.
