Although the issue has already caused a transgender third-grader to be transferred from one school to another due to bullying, the Naushua School District in New Hampshire says it doesn’t need a district-wide policy on the subject of bullying of transgender students.
“We don’t have a specific policy on transgender students, but we do have policies in place that prevent discrimination against students and bullying, and we regularly review those policies,” Superintendent Mark Conrad said Monday.
In the case of the recently transferred student, the district has agreed with her parents to allow her to use her female name; where girls clothes and use the girls’ restroom. According to Conrad, the district’s main concern is for the safety of the student and her ability to thrive in class.
An attorney from the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, which serves the region, provided the family with legal representation. The attorney didn’t comment after the agreement was reached. Although he wouldn’t comment on the family or the girl in question, he did say that businesses and organizations throughout New England are “looking for some guidance when dealing with transgender issues.
“Transgender is being identified earlier and earlier these days, and it presents unique challenges and opportunities for these students and their schools. When they are reaffirmed, they are more likely to do well in school,” said Janson Wu, speaking to a reporter from the New Hampshire Union Leader. “It is hard to generalize, because this really is a new area, and school districts and families are learning together on a case-by-case basis.”
It’s New Hampshire Union Leader not Nashua Union Leader. Nashua does have a newspaper, it’s called The Telegraph.
Carl,
Corrected! Thanks for pointing it out and reading LGBT Weekly.