LGBTQ+ Community

All our students deserve to feel safe, be seen, and know they are valued.  All of our students belong.

We are committed to providing safe, supportive, welcoming and inclusive environments for all in our educational community.

NHPS Vision

Our vision is to be a premier urban school district that ensures access to equitable opportunities and successful outcomes for all students as they prepare for college, career, and life.
 

NHPS Mission

To provide all students in New Haven Public Schools with personalized, authentic, and engaging learning experiences through creativity, exploration, innovation, critical thinking, problem-solving, and high-quality instruction. To foster a culture of continuous improvement through collaborative partnerships with staff, families, and the New Haven community. To support students’ growth and development by utilizing the Whole Child Framework.

Whole Child Framework - 5 Tenets

To promote long-term development and success for students through embracing the 5 tenets of the Whole Child Framework:  healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged

LGBTQ Protections & Supports (source: NHPS Handbook)

NHPS is committed to providing safe, inclusive spaces for all students and staff. Pursuant to the guidance provided by the state of Connecticut, as a general rule, schools may not separate or otherwise distinguish students on the basis of their sex, including gender identity or expression, in any school activities or the application of any school rule. State and federal laws, however, do permit school districts to provide single-sex restrooms, locker rooms, shower facilities, and athletic/physical education activities. School districts have certain obligations in protecting the rights of their transgender students with respect to single-sex facilities and activities. A school’s obligation to provide transgender and gender non-conforming students with equal access to educational programs, activities and facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms, applies irrespective of concerns or objections raised by other students, parents, staff or community members. A desire to accommodate others’ discomfort is not a permissible basis for failing to treat students consistent with their gender identity or expression. While the objections of others cannot serve as the basis for failing to provide access to facilities consistent with the student’s gender identity, as noted above, appropriate accommodations must be provided for any student seeking additional privacy. Schools may find it helpful to note the availability of the private option in addressing objections from students, parents/guardians or staff. 

Students have the right to be addressed by a name and pronoun that the student prefers and corresponds to their gender identity even if education records or identification documents indicate a different name or sex. Using the student’s chosen name and pronoun is important not only for legal compliance but also for ensuring the student’s dignity and well-being. If school staff are unsure what name and pronoun to use, privately asking students what their preferred gender pronouns and names are in an age-appropriate manner is the best place to start. It is important to remember that some students may not identify as male or female but, instead, consider themselves non-binary (i.e., otherwise not conforming to gender binary references to the two categories of male and female). Using these terms may be unfamiliar at first and it may take time for school staff to become accustomed to new terminology on gender identity, but, as with any new term or usage, these terms will become familiar with practice, appropriate training and support. If any of these protections are violated contact your School Title IX Coordinator and complete the external bullying form. If you are not satisfied that the situation is being addressed contact the District Title IX Coordinator.