A new set of policies on LGBTQ Students is being consider by the State Board of Education. The initiative aimed at ensuring the freedom of lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender students across the schools in Michigan.

According to the new policies, the LGBTQ  students will be allow to use restrooms according to their gender identity, they will be address by their "chosen name" and  gender pronouns that "correspond to their gender identity," will ensure staff that trained to tackle the issue  related to LGBTQ students. The policies will also support the formation of clubs like  gay-straight alliances.

John Austin, the board president believes that,  LGBTQ students should be welcome at the schools and schools need prevent them from being harassed.

“The responsibility for determining a student’s gender identity rests with the student. Outside confirmation from medical or mental health professionals, or documentation of legal changes, is not needed. School staff should address students by their chosen name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity, regardless of whether there has been a legal name change,” a draft of the proposed guidelines states.

The draft defines gender identity as “one’s innermost concept of self as male or female or both or neither how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves.” or  “one’s personal experience of one’s own gender.”

On the restroom front, the guidance states, “Students should be allowed to use the restroom in accordance with their gender identity.”
The guidance said that, “A student should not be required to use a locker room that is incongruent with their gender identity.” “Locker room usage should be determined on a case-by-case basis, using the guiding principles of safety and honoring the student’s gender identity and expression.”

Nandini