New Gender Inclusion Policy In Andover Raises Concerns

ANDOVER, MA -- Students in Andover public schools will be able to use bathrooms and locker rooms corresponding with their gender identity following the school committee's approval of controversial new guidelines last week. While the new rules simply codify existing state law into school policies, parents raised concerns about the implementation of the policy.

"I understand it may be state law, but it’s just not appropriate," Heather Farrow said. "If my son thought he felt like he was female, I would understand why he wouldn’t want to be in a man’s locker room, 100%. But it does not necessarily mean he should be in the girl’s locker room."

School Committee member Joel Blumstein said students who felt uncomfortable using locker rooms and restrooms with other students should raise those concerns with coaches and teachers. He added that the new policy simply implements a state law that clearly transgender student has the right to use a locker room based on their gender identity, and that all students would have access to private changing areas, bathrooms and showers.

While the school system did not have a formal policy before last week's meeting, the school system already allowed students to use gender identity instead of birth gender when choosing activities and facilities. "We do have a number of transgender students who are involved throughout our school, whether it is athletics, the arts, academics, clubs and activities...We wanted to make sure they felt safe and secure throughout the building," Andover High School Principal Philip Conrad said.

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Patch file photo by Toby Talbot/Associated Press.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).