MassEquality commends the Medford School Committee on passing a new gender identity nondiscrimination policy for Medford Public Schools and looks ahead to next steps
BOSTON, Mass. – This week, the Medford School Committee unanimously approved a new gender identity nondiscrimination policy for Medford Public Schools after MassEquality, partner organizations and allies garnered local support for adoption. More than 40 people attended the Medford City Council hearing on this policy in March of this year, followed by multiple op-eds in local outlets.
[pullquote]“As we all gear up for the Boston Marathon this Monday, we cannot overlook this step forward in the marathon for gender identity protections,” said MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini.[/pullquote]“As we all gear up for the Boston Marathon this Monday, we cannot overlook this step forward in the marathon for gender identity protections,” said MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini. “The number of people that support positive policies for transgender students, and transgender equality in general, is at an all-time high. We hope the state legislature will follow the momentum by passing the transgender equal access bill (HB 1589, SB 643) to prohibit discrimination against transgender youth, adults and families in public places such as hospitals, grocery stores and banks and the bullying prevention bill (HB 454, SB 206) which helps make schools safer for all students. Congratulations to the Medford School Committee on moving us a little closer to the finish line in the marathon to achieve true equality for all in Massachusetts.”
The new policy is based on guidelines put forth by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [DESE] as the result of a new state law passed in 2011, which protects transgender youth and adults from discrimination in employment, education, housing, and credit/lending as well as adding gender identity to the state’s hate crimes statutes.
MassEquality, is a lead member of the Massachusetts Transgender Equal Rights Coalition, a broad coalition of organizations working together to ensure that everyone in our state is safe and free to thrive without discrimination or harassment based on gender identity.
About MassEquality
MassEquality is the leading statewide grassroots advocacy organization working to ensure that everyone across Massachusetts can thrive from cradle to grave without discrimination and oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. MassEquality does this by partnering across issues, identities and communities to build a broad, inclusive and politically powerful movement that changes hearts and minds and achieves policy and electoral victories. For more information, visit www.massequality.org.
[From a News Release]
