Seattle Public Schools Reaffirms Transgender and Gender-Expansive Student Rights and Supports 

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is committed to our Seattle Excellence strategic plan goal to provide safe and welcoming environments for all our students and staff. 

“We reaffirm our commitment to creating inclusive, identity safe environments for every student,” said Superintendent Brent Jones during his remarks at the Sept. 27, 2023, Seattle School Board meeting. “The rights and safety of our LGBTQ+ youth are a priority for this district, let there be no doubt. This district stands for inclusion and belonging in policy and in practice, and representation matters.” 

In June 2020, the Seattle School Board unanimously passed Board Resolution 2019/20-28, Affirming Inclusion of Our LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) Students, Staff, and Community. 

To further support our belief that all students need a safe and supportive school environment to progress academically and developmentally, Board Policy 3211 was drafted to help SPS administrators and staff take steps to create a culture in which transgender and gender-expansive students feel safe, supported, and fully included, and to meet each school’s obligation to provide equal educational opportunities for all students. 

Read the full Board Resolution 2019/20-28

Read Seattle School Board Policy 3211.

Learn more about LGBTQ programs, curriculum, and support at Seattle Public Schools.

Posted: July 24, 2021

Affirming Inclusion of Our LGBTQIA+ Students, Staff, and Community Resolution Progress

Seattle Public Schools is committed to our Seattle Excellence strategic plan goal to provide safe and welcoming environments for all our students and staff.

On June 10, 2020, the Seattle School Board unanimously passed Board Resolution 2019/20-28, Affirming Inclusion of Our LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) Students, Staff, and Community.

Seattle Public Schools is proud to support LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families in policy and practice. The additional actions outlined in the Board Resolution continue to expand the support and reflect the current needs of our students.

We are pleased to share the progress and successes we have made so far:

• As of June 1, 2021, all schools built or remodeled using BEX V funds will be designed to have gender-inclusive restrooms.
• James Baldwin Elementary School will be renamed James Baldwin Elementary when the new school building is completed in 2022-2023. James Baldwin is a famed literary voice of the civil rights movement and an inspirational figure for the LGBT rights movement. He unapologetically addressed race and sexuality in his writings. He is known for writing I’m Not Your Negro, The Fire Next Time, and Giovanni’s Room.
• The district is currently exploring and developing a LGBTQIA+ history and culture course for high school students and is currently implementation during the 2021-22 school year.
• K-5 gender books, lessons, and videos have been posted to the SPS Health Education webpage. This series of videos showcase books and lessons from the SPS K-5 Gender Book Kit.

We will continue to provide updates on our progress supporting LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families.

Read the full Board Resolution 2019/20-28.

Learn more about LGBTQ programs, curriculum, and support at Seattle Public Schools.