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 the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (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.

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Cross References:

Policy 2145 - Suicide Prevention

Policy 3207 - Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Students

Policy 3210 - Nondiscrimination

Policy 3231 - Student Records

Legal References:

RCW 28A.642 Discrimination Prohibition

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

Management Resources:

Policy News, January 2025 Legal Landscape Update

Policy News, July 2019 Protecting transgender student from discrimination: Understanding the legal landscape

Policy News, December 2014 Updates to cross references and reclassified as discretionary.

Policy News, December 2013 WSSDA issues new policy Regarding transgender students

Prohibiting Discrimination in Washington Public Schools – OSPI Guidelines for school districts to implement Chapters 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCS and Chapter 392-190 WAC (February 2012)

 

Adopted: 10/8/18

Revised: 3/8/25

Superintendent or Board Approved: Superintendent Approved