School committee adopts revised transgender and gender‑nonconforming students policy after public comment
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Summary
After hearing public comment urging adoption, the Westford School Committee approved an updated policy (P5325) on transgender and gender‑nonconforming students with a unanimous vote.
The Westford School Committee on Monday unanimously approved revisions to district policy P5325 covering transgender and gender‑nonconforming students after public comment urging adoption.
A public commenter, Wendy Lloyd of 16 Pleasant Street, representing the Westford LGBTQ Friends and Allies group, told the committee the group supports the policy “with no further edits or changes” and called Westford’s protections for transgender and gender‑expansive youth “robust” and a model for other districts. Committee members also referenced a period of public comment and consultation with the district’s legal counsel before taking the vote.
Committee members described the policy as both a statement of values and an instructional guide for staff; they said it was drafted to align with state law and guidance. One member said approving the policy “makes a statement that they matter to us” and emphasized the policy’s role in protecting vulnerable students and reducing risks of self‑harm.
The motion to accept the updated P5325 carried on a unanimous voice vote.
Ending: Committee members said the policy will be posted and that if state guidance changes the committee will revisit the language; staff and policy subcommittee will monitor legal developments and public feedback.