Wed. May 4, 2016
Chicago, IL -
Chicago Public Schools, on May 3, issued revised guidelines pertaining to its transgender students, staff and volunteers, tackling head-on questions surrounding restroom and locker room use that have been vexing school districts across the country in recent months.
The guidelines—which revise policies that CPS issued in 2014—explicitly state that students will be able to use the lavatory and changing facilities designated for the gender with which they identify, among other policies. Additionally, transgender students wishing for more privacy may make arrangements with school officials for a designated space they can use.
"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 in a statement. "CPS, like much of the country, has become far more aware of the needs and experiences of the transgender community, and it's crucial for CPS guidelines to reflect our commitment to promoting safe and inclusive schools. These guidelines build on our commitment to fostering healthy and supportive learning opportunities across the District so that each of our students can reach their full potential."
Among those organizations with whom CPS consulted were Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, Mikva Challenge, Lambda Legal and Lurie Children's Gender and Sex Development Program.
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