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Minneapolis Public Schools Board passes gender inclusion policy

The policy aims to create inclusive learning environments that value students gender expression.

MINNEAPOLIS — Unanimously the Minneapolis School Board passed its gender inclusion policy. 

Claire Tralle and Anna Ehl are parents of transgender, nonbinary and gender fluid kids in the district, who they say have been bullied and lacked access to support. 

"It was wonderful to see the school board members say this is wonderful, this is something to celebrate," said Tralle.

The policy aims to create inclusive learning environments that value students gender expression. 

It ensures access to restrooms and locker rooms that align with students' gender identity. 

It recognizes their right to be referred to at school by a chosen name and pronouns. And ensures they're able to participate in school activities, like sports, in a manner that is also consistent with gender identity. 

Training for staff will be provided.

"It's really just establishing a baseline that says, Our kids have a right to access, changing facilities and bathrooms without being attacked," said Ehl.

Just last week, a transgender student at Hopkins High was using the men's restroom. After a tense exchange, police are investigating allegations of racial and transgender slurs spoken by both sides before she was punched in the face. She spent two days in the hospital. 

"That is the fear that moves into your heart and never moves away, is that that's going to happen to your child," said Ehl.

Opportunities For All Kids, a school choice group, says the policy is concerning because of safety issues for *all* students in bathrooms and locker rooms.

"Does that mean a boy can be my girls bathroom?" said Devin Foley, the group's executive director. "By the policy, yes."

"An enormous amount of energy is spent on a gender inclusion policy, when less than half of the kids are proficient in reading," he said.

"This is asking for the bare minimum. this is bringing them up to an equal level," said Tralle. "This is not asking for extra or special treatment."

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