Click HERE to download a copy of Natura Academy's Transgender and Gender 

Non-Conforming Student Policy

PURPOSE

Natura Academy believes that all students deserve to feel safe at school, and to be provided with equal access to resources and activities regardless of their differences. As a result, Natura Academy has adopted a policy on transgender and gender non-conforming students, in the hopes of outlining specific expectations and understandings regarding the way in which Natura Academy will navigate topics that may be more relevant to transgender and gender non-conforming students. Although it is impossible for us to anticipate every situation that may occur in relation to these students, Natura Academy will do everything possible to ensure that all students feel safe, comfortable, and understood by school staff, and we will commit to addressing student’s circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

DEFINITIONS

The language used to describe the experience of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals is evolving rapidly—and there continues to be disagreement about it. The following definitions were developed by the American Psychological Association and are not meant to label or provide comprehensive definitions relating to each student’s individual experience. Rather, the purpose of identifying these definitions is to help in developing an understanding of Natura Academy’s policy relating to transgender and gender non-conforming students. These definitions are also meant to aid school staff in better understanding individual student’s needs and best implement the policies outlined in this section:

• Cisgender: Used to describe an individual whose gender identity and gender expression align with the sex assigned at birth.

• Gender Binary: The classification of gender into two discrete categories of male and female.

• Gender Expression: Clothing, physical appearance and other external presentations and behaviors that express aspects of gender identity or role.

• Gender Identity: An internal sense of being male, female or something else, which may or may not correspond to an individual's sex assigned at birth or sex characteristics.

• Gender Nonconforming: Describes an individual whose gender identity or gender expression differs from the gender norms associated with the sex they were assigned at birth.

• Genderqueer: Describes an individual whose gender identity doesn't align with a binary understanding of gender, including those who think of themselves as both male and female, neither, moving between genders, a third gender or outside of gender altogether.

• Preferred Name: The name a person wants or has elected to be called.

• Preferred Pronouns: Personal pronouns a person identifies with and would like to be referred to by.

• Trans-Affirmative: Being aware of, respectful and supportive of the needs of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals.

• Transgender: An umbrella term encompassing those whose gender identities or gender roles differ from those typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth.

• Transition: The process of shifting toward a gender role different from that assigned at birth, which can include social transition, such as new names, pronouns and clothing, and medical transition, such as hormone therapy or surgery.

GUIDANCE & BEST PRACTICES

Student Transitions: Natura Academy acknowledges that every student possesses a distinct journey when it comes to transitioning, which may or may not involve social, legal, or physical changes. The school firmly believes that there is no single prescribed path or specific set of steps that students must follow to have their gender identity affirmed and respected. Instead, the staff wholeheartedly accepts and honors the gender identity that each student asserts.

At Natura Academy, there is no requirement for students to obtain legal, medical, or psychological documentation as a prerequisite for recognizing their gender identity. The school is committed to supporting students who are prepared to undergo the transition process while attending school. Such students will receive comprehensive support in changing their name, pronouns, attire, and gaining access to gender-related programs, activities, and facilities that align with their evolving gender identity.

Official Records: At Natura Academy, we affirm and respect the right of every student to be addressed by the name and pronouns that align with their gender identity. This includes transgender and gender nonconforming students, regardless of whether they have undergone a legal name or gender change. In instances where a student has been known by a different name at school, upon the student's request, our school staff will use the student's chosen name and pronouns. Additionally, we strive to ensure consistency in their educational records, such as attendance reports, class and therapist rosters, report cards, and electronic records. Efforts will be made to promptly update these documents with the student's chosen name and appropriate gender markers.

For record-keeping purposes, students can specify the format they prefer for their name, whether they want their birth name, chosen name, or both names to be included on these records. With the student's consent, we will also communicate this information to the student's hometown school so that similar updates can be made to their permanent school records in that location. Furthermore, in consultation with the student's hometown district and with their permission, this information will be shared with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) via phone to ensure that the student's name is changed in their Student Information System (SIS) for consistency with student permission. It is important to note that the ISBE system currently offers only a binary gender identification option (male/female), and it is mandatory to choose one. Therefore, the student will have the opportunity to select the option they prefer.

At Natura Academy, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all students' gender identities are honored, and we will actively support them throughout this process of recognition and affirmation.

Preferred Names and/or Pronouns: Although Natura Academy staff and students will do their best to refer to all students by their preferred names and pronouns, there may be times when staff or students accidentally reference a student incorrectly. Concerns regarding compliance with a student’s request for use of a preferred name and/or pronouns should be directed to a school administrator.

Gender Segregated Activities: Natura Academy will do its best to avoid activities or circumstances that segregate students by gender and will only do so in circumstances in which there is a clear, sound, articulable educational purpose for this separation. Students will have the option to participate in any activity that corresponds to their gender identity.

Confidentiality: Natura Academy is committed to safeguarding the privacy of personally identifiable and medical information pertaining to transgender and gender nonconforming students, in full compliance with relevant state, local, and federal privacy laws. School staff are strictly prohibited from divulging any details that might disclose a student's transgender identity to any third party, including parents or guardians and other school personnel, except when such is legally mandated or authorized. In the infrequent event that disclosure of a student's transgender status becomes necessary, Natura Academy will afford the student the opportunity to personally make that disclosure, whenever feasible. To ensure a secure and supportive atmosphere, the school will extend necessary support services to the student during this process.

Natura Academy recognizes and upholds the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming students to openly discuss and express their gender identity and expression. Natura Academy aims to provide students with autonomy over when, with whom, and to what extent they wish to share private information. It is essential to emphasize that any decision made by a student to use a different name, undergo a transition at school, or reveal their transgender status to staff or peers does not automatically grant school personnel authorization to disclose personally identifiable or medical information. During interactions with parents, guardians, district representatives, or other contacts, school staff will inquire with the student about their preference for name and pronoun usage, whether corresponding to their gender identity or legal name, respecting the student's wishes at all times. Please refer to the "Student Transitions" section for additional information.

Restroom Accessibility: While the restrooms at Natura Academy are gender neutral, there will be cases where students are in the community, and may not have access to gender neutral restrooms. In cases where students are in the community, they may use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity.

Discrimination & Harassment: Natura Academy staff are dedicated to ensuring that all students have a safe school environment. In order to maintain the sanctity of the school, all staff are required to take appropriate corrective action in cases where discrimination, harassment, or violence is observed to occur between individuals. Alleged discrimination or harassment based on a person’s gender identity, transgender status, or gender non-conforming status will be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.

Natura Academy Contact Information: Please contact Natura Academy’s Principal with any question or concerns, or if a student or parent/guardian would like to have a discussion relating to a specific student.

Mary Mangione

mmangione@naturaacademy.net