Gender Options For School Forms
Beginning in the 2018 – 2019 school year, the Oregon Department of Education recognized three gender options: Female, Male, and X in all public schools. This change is a step towards greater gender inclusivity by the state. The Oregon Legislature now recognizes a non-binary gender option on the Oregon Drivers License, Oregon Identification Cards, Oregon birth certificates, and public school forms.
Gender X / Gender-Neutral Identification:
Gender X is a gender-neutral term used to indicate a gender that is not exclusively male or female. The X provides a third option for people with non-binary gender identifications and those wishing to not disclose.
Implications:
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Registration forms for students will include the three gender options of Female, Male, and X options beginning in the fall of 2018.
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Internal school and district forms will reflect this change.
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Schools will continue to follow OSAA (Oregon School Activities Association) guidelines for sports registration and participation. (OSAA governance handbooks)
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FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and other privacy protections for students continue to apply.
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School data collections will include Female, Male, and X options.
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Existing staff and new hires are also extended this option.
Reference: Oregon Department of Education Executive Numbered Memo: 008-2017-18