CPS To Allow Transgender Students To Use Restrooms Of Their Gender Identity
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Transgender students at Chicago Public Schools will be allowed to use restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity, under new guidelines announced by the district on Tuesday.
Schools would have to provide students with alternative arrangements if they request more privacy.
"The guidelines released today will help ensure every student and adult in the CPS family can participate in an environment of complete tolerance and respect," said CPS Chief Education Officer Dr. Janice K. Jackson.
The new policies also will allow transgendered students to participate in overnight field trips, sexual health education, physical education, and extracurricular activities with groups that match their gender identity.
"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 district said.
The district said the same guidelines also would apply to adult transgender employees, visitors, and volunteers; although CPS policy still prohibits any adults from sharing rooms with students who aren't their own children when on overnight trips.
Each school will have a student administrative support team to help develop confidential support plans for transgender students to make sure they get the support they need, according to CPS.
"District staff from the Office of Social & Emotional Learning will support school staff to ensure transgender and gender nonconforming students receive appropriate supports and resources," the district said.
CPS also said transgender employees may keep their gender identity private if they choose.
Transgender students and employees also will be able to be addressed by whatever name they wish, and whatever pronoun corresponds to that name. Those who repeatedly fail to respect a transgender person, and does not address him or her in a way he or she wishes to be addressed could face disciplinary action.
Outside Haines Elementary School, some parents told CBS 2 they are concerned CPS is moving too fast in imposing its transgender policy.
"We just need to wait," said Roger Jackson. "Let's have some town hall meetings. Let's discuss it but let's not just do it."
"I think that could be very confusing for younger children because they really can't identify and understand," said Christina Jackson.
But CPS Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson urges parents not to jump to conclusions.
"We don't want to make a sweeping guideline that says if you're a transgendered male, you use this particular restroom," she said.
Instead, Jackson says the question over who uses what bathroom would be decided after students meet with principals or counselors.
"And come up with a plan that suits the needs of the students but more importantly make sure that student feels as comfortable as possible in that environment," she said.
That means transgender students might use a facilities in a principal's office.
Still, CPS has actually made accommodations for transgender students long before now. What's new is that plan is formal, according to Owen Daniel-McCarter of the Illinois Safe School Alliance which is advising CPS.
"It grounds us in the reality that transgender students have been using the bathrooms and locker for several years now," said Daniel-McCarter.
Outside Haines Elementary, some support the plan.
"If that's what they identify with why should we hold that back from them?" said Courtney Jones. I feel like I have no right to take someone's identity away from them."
