The Commissioner, pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-1.1(a)(5) has the authority to promulgate regulations to enforce the statutory requirements prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression in schools.

A. “Gender non-conforming” means a term used to describe people whose gender expression differs from stereotypic expectations. This includes people who identify outside traditional gender categories or identify as both genders. Other terms that can have similar meanings include “gender variant”, “gender expansive”, or “gender atypical”.

B. “Transgender” means an umbrella term used to describe a person whose gender identity or gender expression is different from that traditionally associated with their assigned sex at birth.

A. Programs and activities operated by Rhode Island public educational agencies shall be free from discrimination based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.  By July 1, 2018, each Local Education Agency (“LEA”) shall adopt a policy addressing the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming students to a safe, supportive and non-discriminatory school environment.

B. The LEA policy shall be consistent with state and national best practices, guidance, and model policies and shall address, at a minimum, such issues as confidentiality and privacy, discipline and exclusion, staff training, access to school facilities and participation in school programs, dress codes, official school records and use of preferred names and pronouns.

C. The LEA shall inform all members of the school community, including all school personnel, students, and families about this policy.