School kids can now change their name, gender at will

(Image courtesy Pixabay)

New York City public school students can now change their names and gender at school without proper legal documentation if they obtain permission from their parents.

Families simply must self-report their child's "personal identifiers" upon enrollment instead of going through the lengthy process of legally changing names or gender identity, reported NBC New York.

Traditionally schools have recorded gender data based upon the students' birth certificates.

Schools chancellor Richard Carranza said in a statement the new policy is a way to support LGBT students.

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"Schools are safe havens for students to develop their passions and discover their true identities, and these new guidelines celebrate and affirm all students," Carranza said.

The wife of Mayor Bill de Blasio, Chirlane McCray, said New York City is setting a national standard.

"As transgender and non-binary communities come under increasing attack by the federal government, New York City leaders are making sure that our young people are safe, healthy and protected—and free to learn and grow in school settings," McCray said.