E. Transgender and Gender Non-binary Student Policy

occurring off campus at non-Branson events that involve our students and the use of drugs and/or alcohol, the school reserves the right to intervene as needed in the interest of student safety.

Violation of these policies will likely result in a case with the Community Honor Board. Such situations could result in a variety of disciplinary responses, which may include but are not limited to mandated treatment or the immediate removal from Branson. Additionally, the school may require students to have an outside professional drug/alcohol assessment and will expect the student to follow any recommendations made from the assessment.

Involvement with drugs and alcohol and the misuse of both prescription and over-the-counter medications are possible threats to psychological or physical health. These rules are rooted in the goal of protecting each individual within the community and the community as a whole. No student who seeks assistance from Branson regarding substance abuse will be subject to disciplinary consequences, provided the student is not otherwise in violation of a school rule.

E. Transgender and Gender Non-binary Student Policy

Branson seeks to create a profound sense of belonging in all of its members. As such, we are committed to ensuring the safety, comfort, and healthy development of transgender and gender non-binary students, while maximizing each student’s social integration and minimizing stigmatization.

In order to foster an educational and athletic environment that is safe and free from discrimination for all students, students will be permitted to participate in sex-segrated school programs, activities, and use facilities consistent with their gender identity.

Privacy

As recognized by the California Department of Education,

“A transgender or gender nonconforming student may not express their gender identity openly in all contexts, including at home. Revealing a student’s gender identity or expression to others may compromise the student’s safety. Thus, preserving a student’s privacy is of the utmost importance. ” To ensure the safety and well-being of the student, school staff shall not disclose any information that may reveal a student’s transgender status to others, including parents or guardians and other school staff, unless legally required to do so or unless the student has authorized such disclosure. The fact that a student may have selectively disclosed their transgender status to some individuals does not affect the student’s right to maintain the confidentiality of the information with others.

Names/Pronouns

Branson believes that every student has the right to be addressed by a name and pronouns that correspond to the student’s gender identity. Students do not need to legally change their name or gender as a prerequisite to being addressed by the name and pronoun that corresponds to their gender identity.

Official Records

Branson maintains a permanent pupil record that includes the student’s legal name and gender. Branson will change a student’s permanent pupil record to reflect a change in legal name or gender upon receipt of documentation, such as a court order or an amendment to a state or federally issued identification. Even if the student has not provided documentation of legal name or gender change, at a student’s request, Branson will update unofficial school records (e.g. attendance sheets, school IDs, report cards) to reflect the student’s name and gender marker that is consistent with the student’s gender identity. In situations where school staff or administrators are required by law to use or to report a transgender student’s legal name or gender, such as for purposes of standardized testing, school staff and administrators shall adopt practices to avoid the inadvertent disclosure of such confidential information.

Restroom Accessibility

Students shall have access to the restroom that corresponds to the gender with which they identify. If a student prefers, gender-neutral bathrooms are available in the following locations:

1. Rand Center at Study Hall 2. Upstairs in the Gym Hallway 3. Upstairs in New House 4. Business Office in Crossways 5. Charlotte King-Mills’ office in the Library. Please check with her before using this bathroom since access is through her office.

Locker Room Accessibility

Students who identify as transgender or gender non-binary may request an alternate locker room or changing space, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis with the goal of ensuring the student’s safety and comfort while also maximizing the student’s participation.

Any student who has a need or desire for increased privacy will be provided with a reasonable alternative changing area such as the use of a private areas (e.g. a nearby restroom stall with a door, a gender neutral restroom) or with a separate changing schedule (e.g. using the locker room that corresponds to their gender identity before or after other students).