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Published – March 4, 2024

West Mifflin Area School District published an 11-page policy titled “Administrative Guidelines for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students.” The guidelines allow teachers and administrators to keep students’ “gender identity” a secret from parents:

“School personnel should not disclose information about a transgender or gender expansive student’s gender identity and expression to others, including the student’s parents/guardians and/or other school personnel, unless legally required to do so or unless the student has authorized such disclosure.” 

The district says, “Every student has the right to be addressed by a name and pronoun that corresponds to the student’s gender identity.” The also policy gives teachers guidance on how to refer to transgender students when contacting their parents:

“Before contacting the parent or guardian of a transgender or gender expansive student, school staff should ask the student whether to use their Affirmed Name or legal name, and which Gender Pronouns to reference them with.” 

Under the “Gender Transitions and Medical Care” portion, the district lays out “age-appropriate guidelines” for how they will respond when a student expresses the desire to transition their gender. For elementary school students, the district notes, “Generally, it will be the parent/guardian that informs the school of the impending transition.” They add:

“If school staff believe that a gender identity or expression issue is presenting itself and creating difficulty for the child at school, approaching parents/guardians about the issue is appropriate at the elementary level.” 

When it comes to students in secondary school, the district says notifying parents is often “unnecessary, as they are already aware and may be supportive.” The district states:

“In some cases, however, notifying parents/guardians carries risks for the student, such as being kicked out of the home. Prior to notification of any parent or guardian regarding the transition process, school staff should work closely with the student to assess the degree to which, if any, the parents or guardians will be involved in the process and must consider the health, well-being, and safety of the transitioning student, consistent with these guidelines.” 

West Mifflin Area School District has 2,461 students enrolled across five schools.