BCPS Supports a Safe and
Non-discriminatory Environment
BCPS works to ensure that every member of the LGBTQ+ community, to include both students and staff members, have a safe, supportive, equitable, and inclusive learning and work environment.
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits any person in the United States from being discriminated against on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, in seeking access to or participation in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. The U.S. Department of Education enforces Title IX, defining the meaning of Title IX’s prohibition on sex discrimination broadly, and setting forth regulations with which recipients of federal financial assistance, including elementary and secondary schools, must comply to address sex-based discrimination in any educational program or activity.
The Board of Education of Baltimore County (Board) believes that every student in the school system should receive an education that maximizes their potential to become a globally competitive graduate. The Board is committed to the success of every student in every school. Disparities on the basis of race, special education status, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, English language learner (ELL) status or socioeconomic status are unacceptable and are directly at odds with the belief that all students can achieve.
The Board is committed to ensuring that every student learns in an environment that is safe and secure and conducive to learning. To protect the rights of all students to a safe and secure learning environment, the Board prohibits bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, intimidation, and other acts or forms of aggressive and violent behaviors by any person on school property, at a school-sponsored activity or event, on a school bus, or by use of electronic communication at a Baltimore County Public School (BCPS) or affecting the school setting.
The Board prohibits bullying, cyberbullying, harassment or intimidation by any person on Board property, at a school-sponsored activity or event, on a school bus, or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of a school.
Click here to connect with the BCPS Coordinator of Title IX
Names, Pronouns & Gender Identity
Every student has the right to be addressed by a name and pronoun that corresponds to their gender identity. Students may request to use a preferred name and/or preferred pronouns on unofficial documents and correspondence by completing this form (hyperlink attached form) and submitting it to the school. Please note that the name and/or gender designation on all official documents (SR cards, report cards, interim reports, transcripts, assessments, and diplomas) will still reflect the student’s legal name and the gender designated on the birth certificate. To change the name or gender designation on official documents, the birth certificate must be updated and submitted to the school.
Dress Codes and Gender Expression
Schools may enforce dress codes consistent with Superintendent’s Rule 5600. Students shall have the right to dress in accordance with their gender identity within the constraints of the dress codes adopted by the school. School staff shall not enforce a school’s dress code more strictly against transgender and gender expansive* students than other students.
Gender-Segregated Facilities and Activities
Restrooms
Students shall have access to the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity consistently asserted at any BCPS school. Any student who has a need or desire for increased privacy should be provided access to a single-stall or gender-neutral restroom regardless of the underlying reason. Still, no student shall be required to use such a restroom.
Locker Rooms
All BCPS schools shall provide transgender, and gender-expansive students access to a locker room facility that corresponds with the gender identity and/or gender expression that they consistently assert at school. If there is a reason or desire for increased privacy and safety, any student should be provided access to a reasonable alternative locker room such as:
- A designated area that is private and approved by the student
- A separate changing schedule (before or after other students)
Educational Settings
BCPS classes are not to be segregated by gender. Consistent with Title IX requirements, no activities, customs, or practices should be based on gender.
Athletics
All students deserve the opportunity to participate in school athletics. Best practice recommendations are to designate a set of criteria in which student-athletes are able to compete on a level playing field in a safe, competitive, and friendly environment, free of discrimination.
Click here to visit the Maryland Public Schools Secondary Athletic Association
*The language used on this page is dynamic and changing. Please know that it is our intention to be inclusive, and we will update the language of this page as needed.