The St. Paul School District has spelled out
how it is putting into practice a new policy promoting a safe and
respectful environment for transgender students.
Forms are available to
students who wish to change the names and pronouns by which they are
known. In addition, the district has adopted a four-page list of
procedures that includes a provision directing staff members to address
students by their requested names and-or pronouns, even if their parents
don't agree.
"Inadvertant, honest
mistakes in the use of a student's preferred name or pronoun may occur,"
the document states. "The intentional and persistent refusal to respect
a student's gender identity or gender expression may be considered
discriminatory and is subject to disciplinary measures."
St. Paul approved its gender
inclusion policy last spring. The move came at a time of heightened
attention to issues surrounding transgender and gender-nonconforming
students and their desire to feel comfortable in school. As of last
Tuesday, the district's placement center had received three name/gender
change request forms, said Mary Hoelscher, a specialist with the
district's Out for Equity program.
