In January 2024, the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) released updated Guidance on Civil Rights Protections and Supports for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Students. This document provides information to schools and families about important protections for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) students under Connecticut law as well as under established federal statutes and Constitutional guarantees of equality. It is important to students, families, and school personnel across Connecticut because it explains obligations schools have to ensure equal opportunity for all students and specifically how to meet those obligations for TGD students.
These best practices were developed with input from a team of LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates, educators, parents/caregivers, and education law and civil rights attorneys. Throughout the document, the authors also make recommendations for creating gender-inclusive learning environments beyond the Guidance.
In addition to these best practices, the team offers supplemental FAQs to the Guidance.