LGBTQIA+ Youth

All HCPSS students should feel comfortable expressing their gender identity. The needs of each student will be supported on an individual basis. In all cases, the goal is to ensure the safety, comfort, affirmation, and healthy development of the student while supporting their social integration and ending the stigmatization and violations of dignity. HCPSS strives to maintain the privacy of all students and families and to further the successful educational development and well-being of all students. As with all aspects of a student’s school experience, HCPSS believes that students do best when supported by family and community. However, parent consent is preferred but not required for schools to affirm student name and pronoun requests. HCPSS recognizes that supporting and affirming gender identity can be difficult to navigate for students and families. Staff in the HCPSS Department of Program Innovation and Student Well-being are available to discuss and consult regarding student supports.

Rainbow Representatives

Every HCPSS school has at least one staff member who serves as a Rainbow Representative, who works to create a more welcoming community for LGBTQIA+ students; provide instructional support for educators; ensure their school is an ally and advocate for LGBTQIA+ students, staff and families; and communicate information shared by Student Support Programs to each school’s administration, staff and community.

Student Gender in School Records

The Maryland Student Records System Manual states “self-identification of a student’s gender is sufficient for local school system reporting of student record information to the MSDE.” The MSRSM allows students to self-identify as 1 – male, 2 – female, or x – non-binary (student identifies as neither male or female or both). Information on paper copy files, such as the student’s name of cumulative and health room files, will be amended if a change in gender is requested, as will records in the student information system. Most retroactive documents (old report cards, health documents, etc.) will not be amended. Students should meet with a school counselor to initiate the change process and discuss possible implications or outcomes

Masking Names and Gender

HCPSS has a masking process for students who are not changing their legal name but want their presenting name, on most documents, to be something other than their legal name. Parent consent is not required, but parents will know about the change (e.g., through report cards). Students should reach out to their school counselor to discuss the many factors that might impact their decision to seek this change.

Preferred Names

In early 2021, HCPSS began the use of preferred names in applications such as Canvas and Google Drive. Students who wish to use a preferred name may notify their school’s front office staff. A preferred name is different from a masked name as preferred name and legal name will both appear in records.

Pronouns

Students may opt to add pronouns in various Canvas pages, including discussion posts, inbox messages and gradebooks.