Vermont Human Rights Commission Reaffirms Protections for Transgender and Nonbinary Students
A PDF file of this file can be found here
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2025
Contact: Amanda Garces, Director of Policy Education and Outreach 802-828-2580 or Amanda.Garces@vermont.gov
HRC Stands Against Discrimination,Upholds Legal Protections for Gender Identity in Vermont Schools
Montpelier, VT— The Vermont Human Rights Commission issues this statement to affirm that all students, including transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming students, are entitled to an educational environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. It is firmly established in Vermont law that treating students differently because of their gender identity is illegal. Gender identity is defined in state law (“The term ‘gender identity’ means an individual’s actual or perceived gender identity, or gender-related characteristics intrinsically related to an individual’s gender or gender-identity, regardless of the individual’s assigned sex at birth.” 1 V.S.A. § 144). This legally protected status is self-determined and cannot be established or erased by any governmental entity. It is a violation of Vermont’s human rights laws to deny transgender students’ gender identity or to deny them equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of school life on the basis of their gender identity. Any directive suggesting that trans students should be denied opportunities to participate in sports or other activities, be policed when using the restroom, or have their privacy protections denied is unlawful. The VHRC urges all Vermont school boards, administrators, and staff to embrace the continued inclusion of the broad diversity of students in all school-related activities, sports, the arts, and their academic endeavors. Our office is committed to robust enforcement of Vermont’s Public Accommodations Act. We stand behind school administrators and educators who act to fulfill their duties to provide equal educational opportunities for all Vermont students. Further, the VHRC is prepared to take all action that Vermont law authorizes to protect students and to enforce Vermont’s anti-discrimination statutes.
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