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Ann Arbor Schools to vote on anti-bullying policy for transgender students, immigrants

Posted at 7:59 AM, Jun 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-28 07:59:12-04

Ann Arbor Public Schools are looking to adopt a new policy that solidifies protections for transgender students and immigrants.

The new policy will be voted on at Wednesday night’s board meeting.

Board President Christine Stead told 7 Action News that the policy, if passed, shouldn’t change operations inside schools. However, she said it was important to have written policy so parents knew where the district stands.

“The board does set policy, and it does send a statement about our values and how we want to practice,” said Stead.

“Our intent here is to reassure everybody that children will be treated in a safe environment and there won’t be discrimination of bullying around their sexual identity.”

While the new AAPS policy offers protections in regards to sexual orientation and gender identity, similar protections are offered through the federal Title IX law that prohibits public schools from discrimination based on sex.

Meanwhile, the new policy will leave athletic participation in school sports up to the governing body of the Michigan High School Athletics Association (MHSAA).

The school board will have a final reading, and vote, of the new policies Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Forsythe Middle School.