Cumberland, a leader in protecting trans students, resists hate and updates policy

"Cumberland was the first district in the state to pass this policy, which came about because there was a need for it," said School Committee Vice Chair Fiorillo. "[W]e feel that we have saved lives."

“I am here not just in support of RIDE's guidance for Rhode Island schools on transgender and gender non-conforming students policy, but more importantly, for [all] trans students, not just in Cumberland, but across Rhode Island,” said Isabelle, a resident of East Greenwich, who trekked to Cumberland, Rhode Island to speak to the School Committee there on Thursday evening. “It should not have to be said, but trans kids are worthy of protection and they must receive it. Schools must provide a safe haven for trans students, many of whom cannot find that safety and acceptance at home.

“Trans people and their presence are vital to all communities, and we cannot take for granted the light, beauty, and insight they bring through them and have throughout history for hundreds and hundreds of years,” continued Isabelle. “My support for the trans community will never waver, especially as someone with trans friends and family - those who have brought so much joy into my life. It is our responsibility to keep trans kids safe and create environments in which they are welcome and at home, not ones where they feel alienated. Inclusion is not exclusion. Trans people are not a threat. People who think trans people are a threat are more of a threat. Being certain of your sexual and gender identity is not confusion. Gender-affirming care saves lives, and everyone uses pronouns. Thank you, Happy pride, month.”

Also speaking to the committee was Westerly resident Robert Chiaradio, who has been on a summer-long speaking tour across Rhode Island, trying to convince municipal school committees to reject policies that protect transgender, gender diverse, and transitioning students. His message fell on deaf ears in Cumberland.

Cumberland School Committee Vice-Chair Mark Fiorillo led Thursday’s meeting. Fiorillo is the 2024 Recipient of the Howard Kay Award for outstanding school committee leadership from the Rhode Island Association of School Committees. Fiorillo received the award in part because he was instrumental in the creation of the first transgender student policy in Rhode Island and a gender-neutral dress code, both for the Cumberland School District.

The following transcript of Thursday’s meeting has been edited for clarity:

Mark Fiorillo: As everyone knows, Cumberland was the first district in the state to pass this policy, which came about because there was a need for it. We've had this policy since 2016. I specifically remember a school committee association meeting where there was a discussion trying to ensure that all districts create a system to be able to manage this. At the time, there was no guidance from RIDE (Rhode Island Department of Education) so districts were pretty much left on their own as such.

Dr. Rachel Santa, who was the special education director at the time, wrote this policy. I met with groups of parents and students who were affected by this. I also met with people who were not in favor of the policy. It was a pretty thorough process. Over many months, we created this policy.

After a few years of this policy RIDE [told us] there were a few items they wanted clarified in our policy. One was the gender-neutral dress code. My argument was we didn't need it in the policy because our dress code was [already] gender-neutral, but RIDE wanted it, so we added a brief paragraph. We also had to add the language about professional development that will be done around this policy. So that was also added. And lastly, there was a small section added about student transitions, which is what we've been doing all along. RIDE wanted to clarify that in the policy, so that's what we did.

Committee member Denis Collins: I have a question. This policy has been in place since 2016. Do you know offhand how many documented cases we have of students who identify as transgender entering a bathroom and assaulting [someone], or any documented cases of assaults or anything of that nature?

Mark Fiorillo: Absolutely none.

Denis Collins: Thank you.

Mark Fiorillo: There have been no incidents of any kind. The policy was specifically written to [accommodate] either a trans or a cisgender student - if they were uncomfortable using a public restroom or a changing room - so that everybody could be comfortable in their space. I can tell you that we have had many students who have transitioned while in school, and we feel that we have saved lives because suicide by transgender children [is a leading cause of death]. This policy is very important and it is one of the policies that I am personally proud of over my last 12 years.

Denis Collins: I make a motion to approve.

Mark Fiorillo: Thank you, Mr. Collins. Second by Mrs. Vogel. All in favor? Passes four to zero. Thank you.

VIDEO:

Cumberland School Committee Policy SubCommittee approves Transgender Student Policy 2024-06-25

Cumberland School Committee passes revised Transgender Student Policy 2024-06-28

Isabel speaks in favor of sound transgender student policy at Cumberland School Committee 2024-06-27

Public Comment - Cumberland School Committee 2024-06-28