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A Brevard Public School internal document listing accommodations for LGBT students, including allowing transgender children to use the bathrooms and play on sports teams consistent with their gender identities, began making the rounds on social media this week, prompting outrage from parents and public officials, News 6 partner Florida Today reports.
The guidance takes stances on several hot-button issues related to LGBT children that have appeared in court cases and legislation.
Students may dress as the gender with which they identify; should be referred to by their preferred names and pronouns, can access locker rooms and restrooms consistent with their gender identities “or be provided appropriate accommodations” and can participate in school clubs and activities, including interscholastic athletics, as the genders with which they identify, according to the document.
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All students have the right to bring same-gender dates to school events, form and participate in LGBT-related organizations and decide when and with whom information about their sexual orientation and gender identities can be shared, according to the guidelines.
The document was shared Monday with school leaders as a reference guide to district practices, BPS spokesperson Russell Bruhn said. Bruhn added that the practices have been in place for some time and are based on legislation and case law.
“Over the years it became apparent that at the school level, a hard document (for) principals and other school leaders on how to address situations to help all of our students be accommodated was needed,” Bruhn said.
The guidance keeps BPS in compliance with state and federal law and does not favor LGBT students over their peers, Bruhn said. He said the school district would not force a child to share a locker room or bathroom with a trans student.
