PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Rhode Island Department of Education has released guidance on how schools should treat transgender students.
The 11-page document released this month is not binding, but recommends best practices for schools to use when setting their own policies.
It includes a discussion of relevant state and federal laws, and suggests approaches for schools on several issues.
For example, it says students may access the restroom, locker room, and changing facility that correspond to their gender identity. It says transgender students should not be required to use separate facilities unless they request them.
It also suggests that if some students feel uncomfortable sharing facilities with a transgender student, schools could consider gender-neutral restrooms and changing facilities.
The guidance was prompted by the Obama administration’s recent directive on transgender students.
