FCPS accommodates transitions, in contrast to New Jersey
This week, governor Chris Christie has vetoed a bill allowing residents to obtain a birth certificate change without having undergone surgery:
For the second time in two years, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for transgender residents to obtain an appropriate birth certificate reflecting their identity. The bill Christie vetoed (S1195) would have allowed state agencies to change a birth certificate as long as proof was provided that the individual was undergoing gender transition. Currently, transgender New Jerseyans can only obtain an updated birth certificate if they have undergone gender reassignment surgery, which is not always necessary or safe, and can be cost-prohibitive for low-income people.
“Birth certificates are a basic form of identification that speak to our core identity and common humanity, and it is appalling that Chris Christie has again vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for transgender people to obtain birth certificates that reflect who they are,” said Alison Gill, HRC Senior Legislative Counsel. “This bill would have ensured that transgender people born in New Jersey are able to change their birth certificates to reflect their correct name and gender without unnecessarily expensive and invasive obstacles. Inaccuracies present myriad challenges for transgender people in their daily lives, creating barriers to things as fundamentally important as applying for a job or voting. Chris Christie’s shameful decision puts the well-being of transgender New Jerseyans at risk for no good reason.”
You can find the full story here: LGBT weekly: Governor Christie vetoes another bill for transgender people in New Jersey
Fairfax County has a different approach to staff who transition:
"(from the Office of Equity and Employee Relations) FCPS will be treating each employee who is
transitioning as an individual matter as no two situations are identical. The Office of Equity and Employee Relations
(EER), will assist employees through an interactive process to determine the
most appropriate steps to take. All
concerns will be treated with confidentiality as the best accommodation is made
for each individual. EER can be reached
at 571-423-3070."
FCPS is looking for a letter from a medical professional or therapist, that the employee is under treatment. EER suggests that you contact them at the above phone number before contacting your program manager (i.e. principal or supervisor). They will work to ensure that that supervisor treats the employee fairly, while respecting privacy.
Applicants may encounter problems with credentials such as certificates, transcripts and drivers licenses. They should contact EER if they anticipate any such problems.
Since Fairfax is such a large system, it is set up with the 180+ schools divided among 10 specialists. If you encounter problems, don't hesitate to contact FCPS Pride at president@fcpspride.org
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