REDFORD – South Redford and Redford Union school district officials say the district will comply with new federal guidelines that call for transgender students to be treated in a way consistent with their gender identity.
The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice released a joint guidance May 13 to help provide educators the information they need to ensure that all students, including transgender students, can attend school in an environment free from discrimination based on sex.
Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, schools receiving federal money may not discriminate based on a student's sex, including a student's transgender status. The guidance makes clear that both federal agencies treat a student's gender identity as the student's sex for purposes of enforcing Title IX.
The Redford Observer reports that Redford Union Superintendent Sarena Shivers, Ed.D., said her district will follow the guidelines.
"The most significant (issue) will be to provide training and education for staff," she said in a statement to the Redford Observer.
South Redford Superintendent Brian Galdes said the guidelines do not present a problem for his district.
"We have and will continue to work with students and parents to meet the needs of all students," Galdes said.
The guidance explains schools' obligations to:
– Respond promptly and effectively to sex-based harassment of all students, including harassment based on a student's actual or perceived gender identity, transgender status or gender transition.
– Treat students consistent with their gender identity even if their school records or identification documents indicate a different sex.
– Allow students to participate in sex-segregated activities and access sex-segregated facilities consistent with their gender identity.
– Protect students' privacy related to their transgender status under Title IX and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Redford Schools will Comply with Federal Guidelines for LGBT Students
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