Superintendent to Trans, Immigrant Students: 'NPS Has Your Back'

NEEDHAM, MA — With many questions arising from the White House's policies on immigration and transgender students, Needham Superintendent Dan Gutekanst wants students and parents to know that the Needham Public Schools will support the entire community.

In a letter sent to students at the end of the February break, Gutekanst writes that while the actions may not have a direct effect on members of the Needham community, the actions send a message that an individual is not wanted.

"When any one individual is humiliated or demeaned, our entire sense of community, inclusion, and respect is fractured and makes us all vulnerable and less safe. And that is simply unacceptable," Gutekanst wrote.

Gutekanst called the recent federal orders at odd with Needham's core values of community, respect, and tolerance.

"I want transgender students, students and their families whose immigrant status is unclear, or any student who feels marginalized and targeted because of skin color, religious belief, disability, or gender identity to know that the Needham Public Schools has your back, and we are here to support you," Gutekanst wrote. "While Federal officials may roll back certain protections, the Needham Public Schools will uphold our values and abide by Massachusetts laws which provide additional and greater protections to ensure all of Needham’s youth, not just some can attend school and access an education in an inclusive and safe environment.

Gustekanst ended his letter noting that the actions on the federal level will not have an impact on how Needham schools support transgender students and encouraging those in need of help to reach out to a teacher or administrator.

Click here to read the full letter.

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