Framingham Public Schools has adopted a policy that ensures all students regardless of gender identity can participate on all sport teams. The policy includes guidelines for coaches to ensure appropriate uniforms, locker room facilities—for both home and away games—and the players’ ability to compete.
What’s more, “the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, which oversees high school sports, has already requested a copy of the new policy to distribute as a blueprint for other districts,” according to The MetroWest Daily News, which went on to report that:
District 1 School Committee member Beverly Hugo said it will promote inclusion in the district, which is believed to be the first in the state to have adopted written guidelines supporting transgender athletes.
“We say that we want all students to thrive,” Hugo said, “and all means all, and this will help us walk the walk.”
The policy, adopted unanimously on a 9-0 vote, stipulates that all students have the right to participate in athletics and co-curricular activities “in a manner consistent with their gender identity.”
“GLAD applauds the Framingham school committee for its unanimous approval of this policy to ensure the full inclusion of transgender students in athletics, and congratulates the local parents, students and other community members who worked for its adoption,” said GLAD senior staff attorney Patience Crozier. “Given the vital role that athletics play in student development, including social and emotional development, wellness, and development of key life skills like teamwork and collaboration, it is critical for transgender students to be fully included in this part of school life.”
