Responding quickly to a FOIA request from an APC parent, APS released the J-2 PIP (Policy Implementation Procedure) and associated documents late last night after a School Board meeting where four community members spoke in favor of the PIP adoption, and three spoke on concerns related to the lack of data and research supporting the PIP and/or requesting more information about the process and details regarding this PIP's creation.
APC parents have previously been unsuccessful in attempts to find out more about the specifics of the PIP and the intended path for its adoption, especially with respect to how community input will be gathered and considered. Several APS employees indicated that no such draft yet existed, but during the non-agenda public comments at the April 11 School Board meeting, one teacher in favor of the PIP said she had read it and thanked APS for creating it.
Please find below all the documents APC has received to date associated with this draft PIP. Note that two drafts exist of the PIP, one dated April 8 and the other simply April. April 8 is the most current draft. Where possible resources APS cite for PIP support are given as links. The earlier AGIA proposal (January 9, 2019) is pasted as a doc at the bottom of the list.
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ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Updated April 8)
Policy Implementation Procedure J-2 PIP-2 Transgender and
Gender Nonconforming Students in Schools
It is the responsibility of each Arlington Public Schools staff member to ensure all students, including transgender and gender nonconforming students, have safe school environments. School staff members are responsible for taking prompt and effective steps to prevent and respond to harassment of any kind including that which is sex-based and, as appropriate, remedy its effects.
All APS staff will be trained on issues relating to transgender and gender non-conforming students. School-based procedures will be disseminated to staff through administrative processes and will address areas indicated below.
Privacy and Educational Records
Information about a students’ transgender or gender non-conforming status, legal name, or gender assigned at birth constitutes confidential personally identifiable and medical information. Disclosing this information to other students or parents or other third parties by an Arlington Public Schools staff member may violate privacy laws, such as the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), as well as constitutional privacy protections. School staff shall not disclose any information that may reveal a student’s transgender or gender non-conforming status to others, including parents or guardians and other school staff, unless legally required to do so or unless the student has authorized such disclosure.
While a student may request that their transgender or gender non-conforming status be kept private, parents of minor students have a right to see all information included in the student’s educational records. Once a student has made a formal change in their status in their permanent educational records, parents may access that information.
Permanent records for students, including a student’s gender, may only be changed with the submission of a legal document such as a birth certificate, passport, or court order. The process for changing any element of a student’s permanent record including a student’s name and gender must follow the same process in Arlington School Board Policy J-5.3.30 Admissions and Placement and Arlington School Board Policy J-15.30 Privacy Rights and Regulations. Appeals to a decision made regarding a change to a student’s permanent record must be made in writing to the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.
APS graduates may change their school records under the same requirements as current APS students.
Names, Pronouns, and Classroom Records
Every student has the right to be addressed by names and pronouns that correspond to the student’s gender identity. Regardless of whether a transgender or gender nonconforming student has legally changed their name or gender, schools will allow students to use a chosen name and gender pronouns that reflect their identity.
To ensure consistency, staff will update student classroom records (class rosters for substitutes, etc.) with the student’s chosen name and, where applicable, appropriate gender markers.
Bathrooms and Locker Rooms
Access to facilities that correspond to a student’s gender identity will be available to all students. Single user, gender neutral facilities will be made available to all users who seek privacy, without the need for additional adult permission. Students cannot be required to use a particular facility inconsistent with their gender identity, including single user bathroom facilities.
Co-curricular and Extra-curricular Activities and Athletic Team Student Participation
Students may participate in any co-curricular or extra-curricular activity consistent with their gender identity. Athletic participation regulated by the Virginia High School League (VHSL) must be in compliance with rules outlined by that organization. Any uniform required for participation in a co-curricular or extra-curricular activity including athletics must include a non-gender specific option. Awards designated by Arlington Public Schools for participation in any such activity will also be non-gender specific.
Dress Code
All students must dress according to the constraints of the dress code as outlined by the school. Information regarding appropriate attire for school day and school related activities should be non-gender specific and enforced impartially regardless of a student’s gender identity or gender expression.
Extended Instructional Field Trips or Athletic Events
APS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming school environment where students are engaged in learning because they feel accepted and valued. As part of this commitment to inclusion and equity, when an instructional or extra-curricular or athletic event requires students to be accommodated overnight, students may be assigned to a room consistent with the staff’s knowledge of a student’s gender identity. Any student uncomfortable sharing a sleeping area, shower, bathroom, or any sex-segregated facility, shall, upon request, be provided with a designated safe, non-stigmatizing alternative. APS honors any advance requests by parents or students for roommate preference, without regard to the reason. This includes assignment of a roommate of the same birth gender, as well as the assignment of transgender students to occupy rooms with students with the same gender identity. Arlington Public School staff may not require a student to stay in a single-occupancy accommodation when such accommodations are not required of other students participating in that same event. APS respects the privacy rights of its students and parents and will maintain confidentiality of nonpublic information about students, releasing this information to third parties only when authorized by a parent or student as required by law.
References
Policy J-5.3.30 Admissions and Placement
Policy J-15.30 Privacy Rights and Regulations.
Policy J-6.8.1 Student Safety - Bullying Harassment Prevention
Virginia High School League Student Eligibility Requirements
National Center for Transgender Equality Model School District Policy on Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students, 2018
National School Boards Association Transgender Students in Schools, 2016 (Updated, 2017)
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Education Amendments Act of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§1681 – 1688 (Title IX)
Policy Implementation Procedure Adoption and Revision History
Adopted xxxxxxx
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ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS (April)
Policy Implementation Procedure J-2 PIP-2 Transgender and
Gender Nonconforming Students in Schools
It is the responsibility of each Arlington Public Schools staff member to ensure all students,
including transgender and gender nonconforming students, have safe school environments. School
staff members are responsible for taking prompt and effective steps to prevent and respond to
harassment of any kind including that which is sex-based and, as appropriate, remedy its effects.
Age-appropriate curriculum inclusive of transgender and nonconforming materials or resources
will be utilized by trained Arlington Public School staff members in appropriate curriculum areas.
School-based procedures will be disseminated to staff through administrative processes and will
address areas indicated below.
Privacy and Educational Records
Information about a students’ transgender or gender non-conforming status, legal name, or
gender assigned at birth constitutes confidential personally identifiable and medical information.
Disclosing this information to other students or parents or other third parties by an Arlington
Public Schools staff member may violate privacy laws, such as the Federal Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), as well as constitutional privacy protections. School staff
shall not disclose any information that may reveal a student’s transgender or gender non-
conforming status to others, including parents or guardians and other school staff, unless legally
required to do so or unless the student has authorized such disclosure.
While a student may request that their transgender or gender non-conforming status be kept
private, parents of minor students have a right to see all information included in the student’s
educational records. Once a student has made a formal change in their status in their permanent
educational records, parents may access that information.
Permanent records for students, including a student’s gender, may only be changed with the
submission of a legal document such as a birth certificate. The process for changing any element
of a student’s permanent record including a student’s name and gender must follow the same
process in Arlington School Board Policy J-5.3.30 Admissions and Placement and Arlington
School Board Policy J-15.30 Privacy Rights and Regulations. Appeals to a decision made
regarding a change to a student’s permanent record must be made in writing to the Assistant
Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.
Names, Pronouns, and Classroom Records
Every student has the right to be addressed by names and pronouns that correspond to the
student’s gender identity. Regardless of whether a transgender or gender nonconforming student
has legally changed their name or gender, schools will allow students to use a chosen name and
gender pronouns that reflect their identity.
To ensure consistency, staff will update student classroom records (class rosters for substitutes,
etc.) with the student’s chosen name and, where applicable, appropriate gender markers.
Bathrooms and Locker Rooms
Access to facilities that correspond to a student’s gender identity will be available to all students.
Single user, gender neutral facilities will be made available to all users who seek privacy,
without the need for additional adult permission. Students cannot be required to use a particular
facility inconsistent with their gender identity, including single user bathroom facilities.
Co-curricular and Extra-curricular Activities and Athletic Team Student Participation
Students may participate in any co-curricular or extra-curricular activity consistent with their
gender identity. Athletic participation regulated by the Virginia High School League (VHSL) must
be in compliance with rules outlined by that organization. Any uniform required for participation
in a co-curricular or extra-curricular activity including athletics shall be non-gender specific.
Awards designated by Arlington Public Schools for participation in any such activity will also be
non-gender specific.
Dress Code
All students must dress according to the constraints of the dress code as outlined by the school.
Information regarding appropriate attire for school day and school related activities should be non-
gender specific and enforced impartially regardless of a student’s gender identity.
Extended Instructional Field Trips or Athletic Events
When an instructional or extra-curricular or athletic event requires students to be accommodated
overnight, students should be assigned consistent with the staff’s knowledge of a student’s gender
identity. Any student uncomfortable sharing a sleeping area, shower, bathroom, or any sex-
segregated facility, shall, upon request, be provided with a designated safe, non-stigmatizing
alternative. Arlington Public School staff may not require a student to stay in a single-occupancy
accommodation when such accommodations are not required of other students participating in that
same event.
References
Policy J-5.3.30 Admissions and Placement
Policy J-15.30 Privacy Rights and Regulations.
Policy J-6.8.1 Student Safety - Bullying Harassment Prevention
Virginia High School League Student Eligibility Requirements
National Center for Transgender Equality Model School District Policy on Transgender and
Gender Nonconforming Students, 2018
National School Boards Association Transgender Students in Schools, 2016 (Updated, 2017)
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Education Amendments Act of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§1681 – 1688 (Title IX)
Policy Implementation Procedure Adoption and Revision History
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AGIA (Arlington Gender Identity Allies) Input for Policy Implementation Procedure:
Topics for Policy Implementation Procedures for Policy J-2
Submitted by Arlington Gender Identity Allies (AGIA), January 9, 2019
Arlington Public Schools (APS) will develop a comprehensive policy addressing the unique
concerns of gender diverse students in its district. This policy will reflect a fundamental respect
for these students and ensure equal access to and safe enjoyment of all APS education
opportunities.
1. Staff Liaisons: Each school APS will designate a person responsible for gender identity
policy implementation and compliance. This person will maintain clear channels of
communication between the school and an appointed Staff Liaison at the County level.
a. Formally designate Official Staff Liaison at each school and at County level
b. Identify a public resource person (may be separate from the Staff Liaison) who
will serve as point of contact for parents and staff on any LGBTQ issues. This
person will have completed training covering physical, social, and emotional
issues specific to LGBTQ students
2. Training: Establish requirements and conduct teacher and staff gender identity training.
a. Require all teachers and administrators to complete initial Kognito online training
b. Require more in-depth professional development on gender identity for APS
administrators, classroom teachers, instructional assistants, and support staff
(similar to previously required cultural competency training and autism training)
i. AGIA suggests Side-by-Side 90-minute courses:
http://www.sidebysideva.org/trainings/
c. Require schools to conduct this training within a year of this PIP being passed
d. Require this training for all new hires before beginning work with students
e. Ensure that counselors have additional training on gender identity, including
medical issues. Elementary counselors who deliver curriculum must complete
higher levels of training
f. At a minimum, create guidelines for substitute teachers and endeavor to have
substitutes complete basic gender identity training
g. Conduct training for librarians to support successful read-alouds
3. Bathrooms: Make gender-neutral bathrooms easily accessible to any student who is
uncomfortable using a shared, gender-segregated facility regardless of reason.
a. There will be at least one gender-neutral facility per floor and per trailer
b. Facilities will be available to all students, regardless of gender identity, and
designated by visible signage (i.e. temporary or permanent signs)
c. Facilities will be available without requiring students to:
i. Travel long distances
ii. Ask a staff member to unlock the door
iii. Use a key or code
iv. Explain themselves to staff members
d. Every bathroom will have in-stall trash receptacles for menstrual products
Topics for Policy Implementation Procedures for Policy J-2 (con’t)
4. Locker Rooms and Changing Rooms: Create workable solutions for locker rooms and
performance space changing rooms including private stalls and gender-neutral locker
rooms with lockers
5. Dress Codes and Uniforms: Adopt gender-neutral dress codes and uniforms.
a. Require all schools to eliminate gendered uniforms for performances, at a
minimum allowing a gender-neutral option for all students (i.e., all black or white
tops with black bottoms)
b. Ensure that all dress code policies have no reference to gender
c. Each school will offer alternatives to the swim unit for gender non-conforming
youth (i.e, HB Woodlawn, which does not require a swim unit)
6. Student Names and Pronouns: Put processes in place that respect gender identity and
name of every student.
a. Regardless of whether or not gender marker has been legally changed, ensure
that the student’s designated gender is used on all forms, including but not
limited to: schedules, class lists, report cards, and transportation letters.
Alternatively, eliminate gender field on all such forms.
b. Ensure that the student’s designated name, gender, and pronouns are used on
all lists throughout the classroom and school administration
c. Create process to expunge records or documents with former name and gender
marker
7. Curriculum: Ensure inclusive curriculum and sensitive delivery of curriculum.
a. Counseling curriculum in elementary years must include gender identity
b. Family Life Education (FLE) and Health curriculum will be revised to recognize
and support the unique needs of transgender and gender non-conforming
students in an age-appropriate manner.
i. Curriculum should include a list of resources on transgender individuals
for all teachers
ii. Anti-bullying curriculum should include language that affirms transgender
and gender non-conforming students
iii. FLE will be inclusive of LGBTQ issues and recognize that bodies and
relationships are varied
c. No teacher or staff member will divide classes by gender except for situations
that require changing into uniforms
8. Access to Resources: Create pathways for parents and students to easily find and
access LGBTQ resources.
a. Make LGBTQ-friendly books available to students in school libraries
b. Use books about transgender people in read-alouds and discussions
c. Create resource lists for the APS website
d. Acknowledge National Coming Out month and Pride month on APS website and
in libraries
e. Share contact information of each school’s LGBTQ public resource officer with
parents and students
9. Privacy and Confidentiality: Ensure that all identifiable and medical information
relating to transgender and gender non-conforming students will be kept confidential in
accordance with applicable laws. (Refer to GLSEN Model Policy, page 4.)
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