In order to promote a safe and equitable community for all students, Park’s School Board must pass the district-wide Gender Inclusion Policy.

Through various requests of the School Board, the policy intends to advance transgender and gender nonconforming students’ rights to help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment. All students have the right to feel valued and safe at school and in society, regardless of gender identity or expression.

The policy includes measures such as “honoring the right of students to be identified and addressed by their preferred name and pronoun,” and “providing all students with access to facilities that align with students’ gender identity.” Instituting the Gender Inclusion Policy into Park public schools is imperative in order to address the systemic barriers transgender and gender nonconforming people face in society.

Especially in times like today, Park must continue to advocate for all students and further the development of safe spaces for students to thrive in both academically and socially. The passage of the Gender Inclusion Policy would help establish a precedent for other school districts and signify the unity among Park schools and students, despite society’s political atmosphere. Hateful actions in the country cannot define how Park students treat one another.

Students and community members should show their support for transgender students and Park’s inclusiveness by signing the petition created by the Gender Sexuality Alliance. It is important for all students at Park to remain loving and accepting of their fellow peers and to stand up for the rights of others.

Although the policy’s establishment in district rules is crucial, students’, teachers’ and parents’ voices speak louder than words. Rules shouldn’t be the reason we strive to create a safe environment for students of all gender identities. Every person must be thoughtful of their actions because it’s every human’s right to feel equal.

In the School Board meeting open forum April 24, students, parents, teachers and counselors will also have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Gender Inclusion Policy. The open forum will take place from 7-7:30 p.m. at Park in room C350.