Know Your Rights: Trans and Nonbinary Students

Are you a trans or nonbinary student in SPS?

We created this page to help you understand your rights under SPS Policy 3211 and Superintendent Procedure 3211.

You have the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that match your gender identity, even if your name has not been formally changed on your school record.
You can add a chosen name or new gender markers to your official school record by asking your school registrar. Changes made to official school records are visible to families.
Your legal name will still appear on some documents like transcripts.
While occasional mistakes may happen, school staff should be making a good faith effort to use your correct name/pronouns

You have the right to use the restroom/locker room that aligns with the gender identity you consistently assert at school.
If nonbinary, you have the right to choose the restroom where you feel safest.
If you don’t feel safe in your school’s existing student restrooms or locker rooms, you can ask an administrator for access to another accommodation.
If your school doesn’t have an all-gender restroom, contact lgbtq@seattleschools.org for support.

You have the right to participate as the gender you “consistently assert at school.”
If nonbinary, you have the right to choose what “best aligns with your gender identity”
P.E. teachers should no longer be giving gender- or sex-based fitness tests.

You have the right to room with students who share your gender identity.
If you don’t feel safe with those students, talk with a trusted staff member to find an accommodation where you will feel safe. These situations are often case-by-case.
Staff will not room you with anyone you are in a known romantic relationship with, regardless of gender.

Students over age 13 have the right to seek mental health services confidentially (state law).
You have a right to be free from discrimination. This includes choosing to whom you disclose your LGBTQ+ identity, and having the right to keep that information limited to the people you choose.
You are advised to communicate with your teachers if you use different pronouns at home than at school.

When students must be separated into groups, staff should not be separating students based on gender.
You have the right to fully participate in all activities based on the gender you consistently assert at school.

Policies 3207 and 3208 Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying characteristics:

Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational or work environment; or
Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of school or work.

HIB Reports MUST trigger an investigation.