A Spotlight on Maryland analysis found that several Maryland school districts keep parents in the dark about their child’s gender identity.
School districts in four counties — Baltimore County, Calvert County, Charles County, and Harford County — said they adhere to the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) guidance on gender identity, which states that there are times when it is best not to inform parents of their child’s gender transition.
Carroll County is the only school district that has provided Spotlight on Maryland with a policy that contradicts MSDE guidelines by requiring parental notification.
The Frederick and Montgomery county school systems have adopted policies and guidance that are closely aligned with the MSDE documents.
MSDE’s recommendations emphasize that parents frequently notify educators when their children want to use a different gender identity at school.
However, the document acknowledges that some parents may be unaware of their children’s new gender identity, which schools should address on an individual basis.
This includes a suggestion that schools not be required to notify parents of their child’s change in gender identity.
“In some cases, however, notifying parents carries risks for the student, such as being rejected by the family,” according to this article.” “In these situations, case-by-case decisions made in consultation with the student should reflect an understanding of all the factors that may affect the student’s safety and well-being.”
“Schools are generally not required to disclose this information unless it is recorded in an official record and requested by a parent,” as it continues. “School personnel will want to follow their Local School System (LSS) policies on parent disclosure.”
The document instructs educational institutions to “ascertain the needs and concerns of the student (and parents if they are involved in the process) when a student transitions during the school year,” as well as “discuss a timeline for the transition in order to create the conditions which support a safe and accepting environment at the school.”
Carroll County Public Schools policy requires staff members to notify school administrators of a student’s desire to change gender. A meeting is then scheduled with the student, parent(s), administrator, and school counselor.
“Sensitivity as to whether or not the family is aware of the student’s status should be considered when scheduling the meeting with the parent/guardian,” according to the document. “A conference must be scheduled regardless of the parent/guardian’s knowledge of the student’s status.”
The policy outlines several conference objectives, including how to support the student, a discussion of relevant school policies on gender, and how to “arrive at a parent/guardian decision regarding the student’s preferred name, pronouns, and desired school facility utilization.”
A public information officer for St. Mary’s County Public Schools stated that the district follows MSDE guidelines, but has a policy “to meet with the student to complete a Student Support Plan, which is signed by the parent.”
Worcester County Public Schools told Spotlight on Maryland that there is no specific policy in place for notifying parents of a student’s gender identity change. The district did not respond to follow-up questions about whether they are following MSDE’s recommendations.
Kent County Public Schools told Spotlight on Maryland that its board of education establishes gender identity policies in accordance with state regulations and requirements.
Allegany County Public Schools’ spokesperson stated that the district does not have a specific policy regarding the issue.
“We do not require parents to be notified if a student decides to identify as another gender at school,” said a district spokesperson to Spotlight on Maryland.
The spokesperson emphasized that parents can check their child’s school portal to see if their gender identity has changed.
“If a parent asks if a student is using a different name or gender at school, we will respond honestly,” the spokesperson told Spotlight on Maryland.
The Frederick County Public Schools Board of Education adopted a policy in 2017 titled “Creating Welcoming and Affirming Schools for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students.” It emphasizes the importance of keeping a student’s gender identity private and only disclosing it to those the child has approved.
“Transgender and gender nonconforming students have the right to discuss and express their gender identity and expression openly and to decide where, when, and with whom to share private information,” according to this statement.
“The fact that a student may wish to use a different name or pronoun at school, or to disclose their transgender or gender nonconforming status to school staff, does not authorize school staff to disclose a student’s personally identifiable or medical information.”
“Be sensitive to the need to maintain the student’s privacy, and do not disclose or require disclosure of the student’s transgender or gender nonconforming status to other students or their parents without the consent of the transgender or gender nonconforming student and/or the student’s parent,” the policy states in a section that allows students to access preferred gender spaces on overnight field trips.
Montgomery County Public Schools shared its student gender identity guidelines with Spotlight on Maryland, which include a section on communication with families.
“Prior to contacting a student’s parent/guardian, the principal or identified staff member should speak with the student to ascertain the level of support the student either receives or anticipates receiving from home,” according to the specifications.
“In some cases, transgender and gender nonconforming students may avoid openly expressing their gender identity at home due to safety concerns or a lack of acceptance.
Gender identity issues can be complicated and cause conflict within families. If this occurs and assistance is required, Student Welfare and Compliance (SWC) should be contacted.
In such cases, staff will assist in the development of a student-led plan that aims to include the family, if possible, while taking safety concerns and student privacy into account, and recognizing that providing support for a student is critical, even when the family is unsupportive.”
A spokesperson for Charles County Public Schools stated that the district does not have a policy regarding students’ gender identity.
However, the spokesperson stated that there is a “document provided to administrators that refers to guidelines shared by the Maryland State Department of Education.” The district did not provide this document prior to publication.
All other Maryland county school systems did not respond to Spotlight on Maryland’s questions about parental notification policies for students who change their gender identity.
