All school boards exist within a broader context of law and public policy that protects and defends human rights. The Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) provides for equal rights and opportunities, and freedom from discrimination. The Code recognizes the dignity and worth of every person in Ontario, in employment, housing, facilities and services, contracts, and membership in unions, trade or professional associations. People who are discriminated against or harassed because of gender identity are legally protected under the ground of sex. This includes transsexual, transgender and intersex persons, cross dressers, and other people whose gender identity or expression is, or is seen to be, different from their birth‐identified sex. (http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/gender‐identity‐and‐gender‐expression‐brochure) At the Toronto District School Board, a number of policy statements have been developed that both reinforce federal and provincial legislation, and help ensure that the freedoms they name are protected within the school system. The TDSB ûthrough its Equity Foundation Statement, Commitments to Equity Policy Implementation documents (CEPI), the Human Rights Policy and Procedures, Gender‐Based Violence Policy, and Caring and Safe Schools Policy —makes clear both its commitment to upholding the dignity and worth of all persons, and the high value it places on protecting all members of its community from discrimination and harassment.

1. Introduction -- 2. Purposes and Application of the Guidelines -- 3. Definitions -- 4. Guidelines for Students -- 5. Guidelines for Employees -- 6. Appendix A. Connections to Education Act and Ministry Program and Policy Memorandums -- Appendix B: Human Rights in Ontario û Gender Identity: Excerpt from The Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment Because of Gender Identity -- Appendix C: Job‐Related Planning for a Gender Transition -- Appendix D: Ways a school can be made a safer and gender‐affirming place for transgender and gender non‐conforming youth -- Appendix E. Annotated Resource Lists: TDSB Resources -- Live Support for Trans Youth and their Families in Toronto -- On‐line Resources for Trans Youth and their Families -- Films and Documentaries about Trans Youth or Young Adults and their Families -- Supportive External Organizations for Trans Youth in Toronto -- Reading Material for Trans Youth -- Trans‐positive Medical Care in Toronto.