Portland Public Schools enact new policy to protect transgender students

PORTLAND (WGME) – Portland Public Schools have enacted a new policy, hoping to give transgender students more protections while at school.

They follow a number of other districts across the state.

Portland Public Schools calls this one of the most comprehensive transgender policies in the state.

It took more than a year to draft, and outlines training and guidance for students, teachers and parents.

The new policy will require teachers and staff to use a student’s preferred name and personal pronouns.

As well as allow them use bathrooms consistent with their gender identity.

"We were very careful to make sure that in the end we had a policy that was legally acceptable and also had the right tone and send the right message," Superintendent Xavier Botana said.

The policy is based off of guidelines from the Maine Human Rights Commission, but school leaders say they took things a step further.

They say the policy makes it clear this doesn't just apply to transgender students, but also those with wider gender identities, many of whom helped get this passed.

Officials hope this will break down barriers and show more support for those who need it most.

"It really reminded everyone that this isn't just a policy but it's something that can have life or death implications," Botana said.