Schools Propose Ban on Transgender Bias

Westerly, Rhode Island, school officials are considering a ban on discrimination against transgender students, allowing them to use bathrooms and locker rooms of the gender with which they identify.

The Westerly Sun reports the School Committee is considering a policy to reduce stigmatization of transgender and nonconforming students.

Superintendent Roy Seitsinger Jr. said the district is interested in doing what is correct to protect children.

He says districts have received guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Education and Commissioner Deborah Gist on bullying and facilities for transgender students.

The Westerly Public Schools' proposed policy would not allow schools to require students to use sex-segregated facilities inconsistent with their gender identity.

The district will schedule staff training on responsibilities under the policy, which also will be made part of training for new employees.