Gender Inclusive Schools

The Richland School District Board of Directors believes in fostering an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, or sex. To that end, the Board recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach toward transgender and gender-expansive students with regard to key terms, communication and the use of names and pronouns, student records, confidential health and education information, communication, restroom and locker room use and accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes, and other school activities, in order to provide these students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement.

Gender Inclusive Schools

Policy 3211

Procedure 3211

The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: 

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity: 
  • Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Tory Christensen, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary: Tory.Christensen@rsd.edu
Concerns about State Law Compliance: 
  • Civil Rights Coordinator: Tim Praino (Tim.Praino@rsd.edu) Executive Director of Human Resources

Who else can help with Discrimination Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy. 

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

Notice of Translation

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