On July 19, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) approved a “toolkit” for supporting transgender and gender non-conforming students in public education. The Star Tribune reported, "the motion was met with cheers from advocates for transgender students."

The 11-page document, titled "A Toolkit for Ensuring Safe and Supportive Schools for Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Students," is non-binding. It proposes establishing and updating school policies to prevent barriers to participation and seeks to prevent and address discrimination through recommended standard practices. The information provided for teachers and administrators ranges from pronoun usage and inclusive language to advice on how to create a supportive school environment for transgender and gender non-conforming students.

This is not an empty exercise. According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey Report, 77 percent of trans and gender non-conforming students in K— 12 education experience harassment or mistreatment due to their gender identity and expression. They experience unusually high rates of attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts. Having support systems in place could very much save a child's life.

In the wake of the federal government rolling back trans-inclusive policies, MDE's decision is an example of how state agencies and school districts can build inclusive environments and meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

The Minnesota Department of Education is already facing fierce opposition to the toolkit, even though it is non-binding. A strong show of approval is crucial in making sure that school districts, administrators and educators know there is widespread support for trans and gender non-conforming students.

Add your name: Every child deserves to learn and grow in an environment where they feel safe. Thank you, Minnesota Department of Education, for supporting our students.