Austin ISD's board of trustees approved amendments Oct. 27 to add "gender identity" to the district's anti-discrimination policies for students and staff.
Austin ISD's LGBTQ Advisory Committee recommended amending the policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against students and staff based on "race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other basis prohibited by law," to add the phrase "gender identity" to that list.
During citizens communication, board members heard support for the decision from a student as well as representatives from local nonprofit Out Youth, which provides services to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth in Austin and Central Texas.
Transgender youth have reported harassment, discrimination and physical attacks, said Keisha Martinez, Out Youth's clinical services director.
