Princeton school board considers policy change for transgender students

PRINCETON -- The Princeton's board of education is considering a policy change that could make Princeton Public Schools more accessible for transgender and gender nonconforming students.

Princeton High School in a file photo.

The policy, introduced at a recent board meeting, seeks to, "address the needs of transgender students in compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws," according to the proposal.

It adds that a student's gender identity saying that it is up to the individual student - or in the case of young students, their parents - to determine whether they identify as a man, woman or identify as gender nonconforming, rather than staff or the school district.

If the policy were implemented, it would prevent school staff from revealing a student's gender identity to anyone, including the student's parents, unless they had reason to believe the student's safety was at stake, the proposed policy said.

If voted in, the policy would also hold teachers and staff accountable if they intentionally and repeatedly refuse to refer to a student by their preferred gender pronouns.

ALSO: Princeton U. to transition single-stall bathrooms to gender-neutral

The policy also outlined guidelines for more private scenarios that a transgender or gender nonconforming student might be in - including restrooms and locker rooms they would use.

The school district would keep separate restrooms for men and women but, "students shall have access to the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity," the policy said. The policy would also apply the same principle to locker rooms.

Finally, the proposal states that the district would investigate claims of discrimination or harassment against someone because of their gender identity.

Board President Andrea Spalla was not immediately available for comment on the proposed policy Monday.

The proposal comes months after Princeton University decided in February implemented similar measures by switching single-stall bathrooms to gender-neutral bathrooms.

The next board meeting will be held next month.

Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

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