Westerly School Committee opens workshop to rework transgender student protocol

The Westerly School Committee met in a special workshop Sept. 17 to review a transgender and gender-nonconforming student protocol, with members sharply divided on whether to adopt state guidance or draft a district-specific policy.

The meeting opened with Chair remarks introducing the workshop and noting the committee had previously voted to draft its own policy. Miss Cook asked colleagues to explain why the district needs a codified policy rather than relying on existing handbook provisions or state guidance: "Can someone make the case for me why we need a codified policy on this versus some of the things that we currently have in place?" she said.

The committee’s superintendent, Dr. Garceau, urged care and legal review, saying that "in the absence of a policy, the school needs to follow the protocol set forth by RIDE," and warning that written protocols are designed to reduce ad hoc decisions by principals and to limit legal risk and inconsistent treatment.

Some members recommended adapting current handbooks rather than adopting the state protocol verbatim. One member said the district should focus on practical protections—restroom access, single-use facilities and overnight arrangements—while handling cases on an individualized basis. A committee member who identified himself as Michael objected to any approach he viewed as excluding parents: "I can't agree to something that's excluding the parents," he said, and urged clearer parental-notification language and single-use bathroom options.

Other members said a written protocol can serve as a helpful roadmap for families and staff. Miss Dunn cited an example from Barrington Schools and suggested a checklist approach that identifies who to notify and what steps to take, allowing case-by-case flexibility: "It creates a roadmap," she said.

Discussion touched on several recurring themes: whether to keep separate sections for elementary and secondary students or adopt a uniform approach with tiered steps; who should develop transition plans (district staff or outside experts); and how mandated-reporting obligations or student-privacy protections affect parental notification. Dr. Garceau cautioned that accepting outside plans without district oversight could bind schools to procedures beyond their capacity.

Committee members also reviewed privacy language in the protocol that says school personnel should not disclose a student’s gender status unless legally required or unless the student authorizes disclosure. Members debated removing parenthetical phrasing that allows nonnotification in some secondary-school circumstances and asked the superintendent to consult legal counsel on precise statutory obligations.

On operational provisions, members proposed reasonable alternative arrangements—use of single-stall restrooms, separate changing schedules or providing private rooms on overnight trips—while emphasizing that alternatives must protect a student’s ability to keep their status confidential if they choose.

No votes were taken on policy changes. The chair said more work is needed, including legal review and consultation with outside experts and sample protocols, and reminded members that adopting a new district policy would require public first and second readings. The committee adjourned the special meeting after a motion and second.

The committee plans further workshops to complete its review and to draft language for public readings if the committee decides to proceed.