Portsmouth School Board approves transgender policy

Portsmouth, N.H. (AP) — The Portsmouth School Board has unanimously approved the school district's first-ever policy regarding transgender and gender non-conforming students.

The Portsmouth Herald reports the policy, passed Tuesday, requires that "all programs, activities and employment practices be free from discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity."

The policy addresses a myriad of issues with gender identity, including "names and pronouns." It also outlines that the use of locker rooms by transgender students should be examined on a case-by-case basis.

Transgender students are now permitted access to whichever bathroom corresponds to their gender identity as well as a single stall bathroom for increased privacy.

Superintendent Steve Zadravec says it was "critical" that the Board approved the policy. He says students provided positive feedback when approached about creating the new standards.

Information from: Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth, NH.

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The Gayly – February 12, 2016 @ 8:20 a.m.