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Non Permanent Records

You have the right to use your preferred name on any and all non-permanent school records.

Non-permanent records include student IDs, student accounts, and yearbooks, among others. This right is not reliant on parent/guardian consent, but they will likely find out if you make this change.

Permanent Records

You generally have the right to use your preferred name on most permanent school records, with parent/guardian consent.

This right is not guaranteed, but it's generally best practice for the school. Applicable permanent records include report cards and unofficial transcripts.

Court Orders

You have the right to use your preferred name on all permanent school records, with a court order.

This right is absolute. This right is not reliant on parent/guardian consent, but they will likely find out if you make this change.

Diplomas

You generally may request to use your preferred name on your diploma.

This right is not absolute, but it's generally best practice for the school. This right is not reliant on parent/guardian consent, but they will likely find out if you make this change.

Facilities

You have the right to use facilities that correspond with your gender identity.

This includes bathrooms, changing rooms, locker rooms, and any other gendered space. School officials may not request, imply, or require that you use gender neutral/single occupancy facilities, or any facilities that do not correspond closest with your gender identity.

Pronouns/Names

You have the right to be addressed by your correct name and pronouns.

School staff and students should use your chosen name and pronouns. This right is fundamental to your dignity and respect. This right generally includes neopronouns, as well. If you explicitly request it, the school should keep this private from parents/guardians, by instructing schools not to store it in the cumulative file. You can generally request that only certain staff members are aware of your preferred name/pronouns. This may not apply to certain situations where knowledge of preferred names/pronouns are required for student safety.

In the event that school officials do not address your grievances pertaining to respect of your gender identity, you have several options:

Elevating your complaint further. For example, speaking to a person’s superior individual, up to and including the Superintendent of Schools and the Board. If this fails, you may appeal to the Commissioner of the NYS Department of Education.
At any time, you may file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights (recommended, as state law/policy provides broader protections), and/or the US Office for Civil Rights. However, it is recommended to exhaust most district reviews beforehand.
In the event that the issue pertains to DASA, you may directly report this to the NYS Department of Education.
Consider legal action, if feasible.

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