Equal Educational Opportunity Policy , No . 102.0
I . PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to ensure that equal educational opportunity is provided for all students of the Anoka-Hennepin School District . II . GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
A . It is the district ’ s policy to provide equal educational opportunity for all students . No student shall be discriminated against on the basis of race , color , creed , religion , national origin , sex / gender , marital status , disability , familial status , status with regard to public assistance , sexual orientation , gender identity , or age . The district does not deny any student access to the benefits and opportunities of its educational programs . The district also makes reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities .
B . The district prohibits the harassment of any individual for any of the categories listed above . For definitions and information about the types of conduct that constitute violation of the district ’ s policy on harassment and violence and the district ’ s procedures for addressing complaints under this policy , refer to the district ’ s Harassment , Violence , and Discrimination Policy . The district prohibits retaliation against anyone who brings a complaint or participates in an investigation .
C . Pursuant to Minnesota law , all students , including transgender and gender non-conforming students , shall be permitted to use any and all facilities consistent with their gender identity . Transgender and gender non-conforming students will only be required to use individual and / or otherwise separate facilities if every student is required to do so . Upon their voluntary request , any student who desires increased privacy shall be provided with a reasonable alternative changing area or with a separate changing schedule .
D . This policy applies to all of the academic and nonacademic programs of the district , including , for example , coursework , co-curricular and extracurricular activities , and other rights or privileges of enrollment . This policy will be enforced before , during , or after school hours on all school property , including the school bus , school functions , or events held at other locations . The policy also applies to any off-campus conduct that causes or threatens to cause a substantial and material disruption at school , or interferes with the rights of students or employees to be free from a hostile school environment taking into consideration the totality of the circumstances on and off campus .
E . It is the responsibility of every district employee to comply with this policy , to intervene to attempt to stop any violations of this policy , and to report all violations of this policy .
F . Any student , parent or guardian having any questions regarding this policy should discuss it with the building principal or the Title IX Coordinator / Equity Coordinator : Title IX Coordinator / Equity Coordinator Mailing address : 2727 N Ferry St ., Anoka , MN 55303 Telephone : 763-506-1000 Email : titleIXcoordinator @ ahschools . us
G . The reporting procedures set forth in the Harassment , Violence and Discrimination Policy shall be used to report violations of this policy .
Policy in Practice : Equal Educational Opportunity Policy – Guidance Anoka-Hennepin Schools have a growing number of students who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming . The District is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment and to providing an education that respects all students and families . Students of all gender identities are valued and welcome in the District . Many questions have arisen regarding how best to support our transgender students with respect to the use of names or pronouns , restroom / locker rooms , and record keeping .
Names and Pronouns : The issue of the name and pronoun use in referring to a transgender student is one of the first that schools must resolve to create an environment in which a student feels safe and supported . Transgender students often choose to change the name assigned to them at birth to a name that is associated with their gender identity . Students have a right to be addressed by a name and pronoun that corresponds to their gender identity . After conferring with parents and the student , school employees should use the pronoun and name with which the student identifies . However , the School District ’ s official student records should include the student ’ s legal name and legal gender ( generally the sex assigned at birth ). A student ’ s official record should be changed only upon receipt of documentation that such change has been made pursuant to applicable state law . Because the District maintains permanent student records that include the student ’ s legal name and legal gender , official documents like diplomas or transcripts do not change unless the student ’ s name is changed legally . However , where the legal name is not required , upon the request of transgender students and their parents , the student ’ s preferred name should be used for district-related purposes , such as class rosters , club activities , student ID ’ s , and in the yearbook .
Restrooms and Locker Rooms : The District will provide all students with access to use all facilities consistent with the students ’ gender identity . We will strive to have restrooms and locker rooms with private enclosed changing areas , shower areas , and toilets for all students . All students , including transgender and gender non-conforming students , shall be permitted to use any and all facilities consistent with their gender identity . Upon their voluntary request , any student who desires increased privacy shall be provided with a reasonable alternative changing area ( e . g ., a nearby restroom stall with a door , an area separated by a privacy partition or a curtain , a PE instructor ’ s office in the locker room or a nearby health office restroom ) or with a separate changing schedule . Transgender and gender non-conforming students may only be required to use individual-user or otherwise separate facilities if every student is required to do so . The goal should be maximizing students ’ social integration and equal opportunity to participate in physical education classes and sports , ensuring the students ’ safety and comfort , and minimizing stigmatization of students .
Gendered Activities : Gender is often used as a classification for dividing classes into parts or as a prerequisite for participation . Such activities can be difficult for transgender or gender non-conforming students , especially if they are forced to participate in a group that does not correspond to their gender identity . As such , avoid using gender as a characteristic for divisions whenever possible . When groups are separated by gender , allow students to self-select the group they would feel more comfortable in .