At a time when the transgender community feels under attack at the federal and state level, the Durham school board is taking a public stand for transgender students. During a meeting Thursday, the board approved a resolution designating March 31 as “Transgender Day of Visibility” in Durham Public Schools.
The resolution was introduced by board member Emily Chávez at Thursday’s school board meeting after being brought to the board by Rainbow Collective for Change, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group with branches in North Carolina and Minnesota. “Transgender Day of Visibility” is a national movement established in 2009 by activist Rachel Crandall Crocker. Five speakers came forward at the meeting to support the school board in passing the resolution.
“As a product of the Durham public school system, I thank you for recognizing TDOV in the wake of trans children being affected in our government and in our community and the safety and threats that have been made on them,” said speaker Stormie Daie.
While the resolution won’t affect next week’s school activities — DPS will be on spring break March 31 through April 4 — the board action is striking in North Carolina, whose state legislature has passed some of the most restrictive policies against transgender people over the past decade.
In 2016, the N.C. House of Representatives passed what was colloquially called the “bathroom bill,” which limited individuals to a public restroom that aligned with their biological sex, and sparked nationwide controversy. The bill was ultimately repealed after public backlash.
However, a similar measure is now under consideration at the state legislature. This Tuesday state senators introduced the “Women’s Safety and Protection Act,” which echoes the restrictions set in 2016.
Further, in August 2023, the N.C. legislature passed three bills criticized by LGBTQ+ advocates; one targeting gender-affirming care, another aimed at transgender athletes in schools, and a third allowing parents broad oversight over classroom curriculum. The new laws were approved after a supermajority in the N.C. Senate and N.C. House overrode Governor Roy Cooper’s vetoes.
The DPS resolution directly references actions at the state level.
“A record number of anti-transgender State bills have been introduced in recent years,” the resolution reads, “including more than 1,500 anti-transgender bills during the years 2023, 2024, and so far in 2025….”
Just before the unanimous vote to approve the resolution, board member Emily Chávez spoke directly to transgender students in the Durham school system.
“I would like to say one more thing,” Chávez said. “Again to our trans students, we see you and we love you.”
