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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, & Two-Spirit Rights

FPS Philosophy: Fargo Public Schools is a safe space for its students, meaning that the District is a place for students to learn, thrive, and seek assistance, information, and support free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.

FPS Philosophy: Fargo Public Schools utilizes the FPS Gender Inclusion Guidance document to achieve educational justice for LGBTQIA2S+ students.

FPS Philosophy: Fargo Public Schools incorporates LGBTQIA2S+ people and issues in school curricula, including health and sex education; school libraries include materials that are culturally supportive to  LGBTQIA2S+ people; and ensures that the curricula include diverse perspectives, including LGBTQIA2S+ people.

FPS Philosophy: Fargo Public Schools certified employees have the academic freedom to discuss these FPS Philosophies during class time, ensuring students are made aware that counselors are available to discuss the subjects contained in the LGBTQIA2S+ Rights.

Supporting Statement: It is the right of every child, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, to access a free public K-12 education and Fargo Public Schools includes and supports all students.

Supporting Statement: Fargo Public Schools recognizes that employees and educators are valued members of the school community regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

Supporting Statement: In the landmark opinion Bostock v. Clayton County, decided on June 15, 2020, the United States Supreme Court recognized that discriminating on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity is always a form of sex discrimination, and federal law prohibits sex discrimination in employment and education. 

Supporting Statement: The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice have recognized that the Supreme Court’s reasoning in the Bostock decision applies to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), and that Title IX prohibits discrimination against and harassment of students and school employees based on their gender identity and sexual orientation.

Supporting Statement: Title IX and other federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation preempt local and state laws that conflict, and failure to comply with the requirements of Title IX may jeopardize the District’s federal funding.

Supporting Statement: Research indicates LGBTQIA2S+ students experience high rates of bullying, victimization, and harassment at school, based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, or that of their peers. This bullying, victimization, and harassment has impacted educational outcomes for LGBTQIA2S+ students, including higher rates of dropping out, higher rates of absenteeism, and lower postsecondary school aspirations. Therefore, Fargo Public Schools rejects practices that perpetuate negative outcomes and instead takes proactive measures to increase inclusivity and a sense of belonging for students and staff that identify as LGBTQIA2S+.

Supporting Statement: Research indicates school-age years are a critical time for LGBTQIA2S+ youth as they often “come out” or disclose their LGBTQIA2S+ identities to others. Creating an inclusive and safe school environment for LGBTQIA2S+ students, staff, families, and caregivers makes the school community more welcoming and safer for all.

Supporting Statement: Fargo Public Schools supports education that celebrates our different identities, promotes integrity in how we treat others, and displays courage to do what’s right by listening to, learning from, and respecting diverse viewpoints.

Supporting Statement: Educational personnel are often a primary source of support, resources, and information to assist and support students and student learning, which includes social and emotional learning.