When the existing policy, 443, was introduced some six years ago, it focused on the needs of the gender non-conforming and transgender students and how the system should change to support them, but it didn’t allow for the impacts that change had on all other students and the school system. This is understandable as the topic was new to schools, but we now know how broad that impact is and a lot more about the science, the importance of parental involvement, and the best methods of care.

Insisting on no changes to the existing policy, as groups like the Frederick Freedom Center and the Frederick chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America do, leaves the policy incomplete, out-of-date, and one-sided. The arguments by groups and individuals in opposition to any changes remain focused on only what they require rather than the needs of all students and families. As of now, the BOE seems to agree. 

The new policy we proposed, referred to as policy 445, supports all students, all families, and the types of broader changes required across any institution whenever a major shift in social culture is introduced. The new policy uses (and cites) the wealth of scientific, medical, and social data that has become available, and in its detail, describes how that information can be used to ensure that the students, families, and FCPS can work together to find a balanced approach.

We will be publishing a summary of how the new policy contrasts with the provisions of the existing policy to help parents cut through the noise.