Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.1532/A.4576, to require school districts to establish policies and procedures regarding the treatment of transgender or gender non-conforming students

The New York City Council passed Resolution No. 322, urging the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign S.1532/A.4576. This state legislation aims to mandate that all school districts establish clear policies and procedures for the equitable treatment of transgender and gender non-conforming students.

The resolution highlights findings from the 2021 GLSEN National School Climate Survey, which revealed that 68% of LGBTQ+ students (ages 13-21) felt unsafe at school due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, and 79% avoided school activities. The survey also noted high rates of verbal (76%) and physical (31%) harassment, with little effective response from school staff.

Key provisions of S.1532/A.4576 include:

• Requiring school employees to use students' chosen names and pronouns.
• Allowing students to participate in sex-segregated activities (like sports) and use facilities (like restrooms and locker rooms) consistent with their gender identity.
• Safeguarding student privacy regarding their transgender or gender non-conforming status, including birth name or sex assigned at birth.
• Permitting students to request revisions to education records.
• Prohibiting schools from requiring medical diagnoses or identification documents as a prerequisite for affirming a student's gender identity.

If passed, the state bill would take effect immediately, ensuring school districts fully implement the anti-discrimination requirements of New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).