Transgender students can use the locker rooms and bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity, Chicago Public Schools has said. View Full Caption Shutterstock

DOWNTOWN — Chicago Public Schools will allow transgender students to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity, the district announced Monday.

The district released a set of guidelines on Tuesday to help faculty and staff respond to the needs of their trans students, also clarifying that trans and gender non-binary students can participate in overnight field trips and take part in physical and sexual health education with groups that match their gender identity.

PREVIOUSLY: Use of Restrooms, Locker Rooms by Transgender Students Outlined by CPS

The changes come as a national debate centers on transgender people, with some states passing laws that make it illegal for trans people to use facilities, including bathrooms, that match their gender identity.

CPS' support for trans students also extends to students who are gender non-binary or who are questioning their gender identity, the district said.

Faculty and staff should use the names and pronouns that match students' and employees' gender identities, CPS said. Not respecting a person's identity can result in consequences for employees and students.

"The new guidelines will help ensure transgender students and students questioning their gender identity will not be denied access to the same educational opportunities that are afforded to their peers — including the ability to participate in overnight field trips — due to their transgender status," CPS said in a Tuesday statement.

Transgender employees are also able to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity, CPS said, and records will be updated to reflect a change in an employee's name and gender at an employee's request. Some records might require legal documentation.

"Transgender employees have the right to discuss their gender identity or expression openly, or to keep that information private," CPS said. "The transgender employee gets to decide when, with whom and how to share private information."

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