3211 Policy – Gender-Inclusive Schools

Bellingham Public Schools believes in fostering an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. To that end, the district recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach toward transgender students and gender-expansive students with regard to official records, confidential health and education information, communication, restroom and locker room use

and accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes and other school activities, in order to provide these students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement.

 

This policy is a component of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community and will be implemented in conjunction with comprehensive training of staff and volunteers. Specific training requirements are included in the accompanying procedure. The superintendent will appoint a primary contact to receive copies of all formal and informal complaints and ensure policy implementation. The name and contact information for the compliance officer will be communicated throughout the district. The district compliance officer will participate in at least one mandatory training opportunity offered by OSPI.

 

This policy and its procedure will support that effort by facilitating district compliance with local, state and federal laws concerning harassment, intimidation, bullying and discrimination.

Adopted/Revised: 10/08/18
Updated: 3/9/2022
Superintendent or Board Approved: Superintendent Approved
Cross References: Content
 

Policy 2145 – Suicide Prevention

Policy 3207 – Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

Policy 3210 – Nondiscrimination

Policy 3231 – Student Records


Legal References: Content
 

RCW 28A.642 Discrimination Prohibition

20 U.S.C. 1232g, 34 C.F.R., Part 99 – Family Education Rights And Privacy Act


Management Resources: Content
 

Policy News, December 2013

Policy News, December 2014

Prohibiting Discrimination in Washington Public Schools –

OSPI Guidelines for school districts to implement Chapters

28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW and Chapter 392-190 WAC

(February 2012)