Ways to help in school
For transgender and intersex students: Help students whose gender is incorrectly listed on paperwork. Ensure staff and students address them using their preferred pronouns. Designate a gender-neutral restroom. Allow the transgender or intersex student to use the restroom in which they feel most comfortable (whether it be the gender-neutral restroom or one that corresponds with the student's self-identified gender). To get started - Evaluate your administrative forms and communications. Do they use gender-neutral language or provide and opportunity for students to communicate their gender identity? If not, make the needed updates.
Clothing & Dress Codes: Enforce the dress codes among all students, equally. Constitutionally, a school cannot forbid male students from wearing dresses if other students are allowed to wear dresses. To get started - check your dress code today. Are there rules that apply only to some students? If so, take immediate steps to remove them from your student handbook.
At School Events: Make sure to use gender-inclusive language on all event communications, including invitations. Educate event organizers about students' First Amendment right to attend events with he same-se date and to wear clothing of their choice. To get started - designate one member of your prom committee as the "Inclusivity Planner" to ensure that every student feels welcome.
Anti-Bullying: School must be a safe place for all students. A strong anti-bullying policy should include language specifically prohibiting harassment base on nonconformity to gender norms, gender identity, and gender expression. Evaluate the effectiveness of your school's anti-bullying programs buy putting out student and staff surveys biannually. Train specific staff members to prevent and respond to bullying incidents. Ensure that reactions to reports of harassment do not further stigmatize students who were targeted for their real or perceived LGBT identities. To get started - review your current anti-bullying policy. Do not forget to get input from students, parents, guardians, educators and the community.