Good Job, Philly!

Last night, the Philadelphia School Reform Commission adopted a new policy for transgender students. In a statement, Superintendent William R. Hite said: "Every student deserves to know their rights will be recognized and upheld at school. This policy provides clear guidance and will help to ensure that our schools remain welcoming to all of our students."

The policy, effective immediately, reads:

* Students may be addressed by names and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity. This applies to interactions with other students and staff, and all written records, including report cards, class rosters, and photo ID.

* Transgender identity, legal name, and sex assigned at birth is confidential.

* Students may participate in gender-segregated groups that correspond to their gender identity.

* Schools should use gender-neutral language in communication with all students and families, regardless of a student's gender identity.

* Students may access locker rooms and restrooms that correspond to their gender identity.

* Students may also dress in accordance with their gender identity. Schools may not adopt dress codes on the basis of gender.

The neat part about this is that it wasn't obliged by a lawsuit; it wasn't begrudging. It was because the Philly school system saw a need to protect its trans students, so it did the decent thing just because it's the decent thing.

Relatedly: Did you know that Pennsylvania is the only state with a transgender physician general? It's true! Dr. Rachel Levine!

I watched Dr. Levine give a speech to an attorney's group recently, on LGBT law, and she was seriously terrific. I would not be mad at all if President Hillary Clinton chose Dr. Rachel Levine as Surgeon General. I'm just saying!

But I digress! Good job, Philly!