Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Berkeley school district to review transgender, gender-nonconforming
inclusivity policy

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   receives distance learning funding from state

   UC Berkeley transgender organizations advocate for safety on campus

   A policy regarding transgender and gender-nonconforming students is set
   to be reviewed Thursday by the policy committee of Berkeley Unified
   School District, or BUSD.

   The policy’s main focuses are the “safety and happiness” of transgender
   and gender-nonconforming students, according to a Berkeley High Jacket
   article. It addresses several issues that transgender and
   gender-nonconforming students face, from joining competitive sports
   teams to using restrooms.

   “The Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Policy is designed to support
   a safe and welcoming educational environment for every district
   student, allowing all students to learn in our schools while free from
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   interscholastic sports teams and physical education classes in a manner
   that corresponds with their gender identity, according to the text of
   the proposed policy. It also states that transgender and
   gender-nonconforming students should be given access to the locker
   rooms and restrooms that align with their gender identity.
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   The proposed policy addresses gender-segregated class activities,
   stating that schools within the district should minimize or remove the
   use of such segregation. It would also protect transgender and
   gender-nonconforming students’ right to privacy about their identity.

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   However, Lim-Moreno said she also has reservations about the policy’s
   impacts because she has seen alleged issues involving transgender and
   gender-nonconforming students swept under the rug at BUSD.

   Both Carlisle and Lim-Moreno claimed that they have seen discrimination
   at BUSD. Lim-Moreno, who identifies as transgender, said she was
   bullied in the past by both students and teachers in middle school.

   BUSD strongly supports the Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Student
   Policy because its utmost priorities are the safety and well-being of
   students, according to McDermott.