Local schools look to help make classes more inclusive

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Illinois is working to make schools throughout the state transgender-friendly, which comes days after Governor JB Pritzker created a new task force to make Illinois a leader in the LGBTQ community.

This looks to help students in the transgender community, but experts said it won't just help with everyday school life. It can also provide mental reassurance.

"You know, with the needs of our transgender students, we want to make sure we understand that every student is created equal - everybody has different needs," said District 186 Superintendent Jennifer Gil.

There will be a group of 25 hand-picked people along with the Illinois State Board of Education leading the group, which will look into dress codes, how bathrooms are defined and what pronouns are used in Illinois schools.

"If there were kids that are understanding, that would be helpful," said Gene Brodland, a former social worker.

While this is nothing concrete, mentally, it can be reassuring for a student to know they have the support of those around them.

"I think this provides them with a great deal of reassurance that someone understands and talking with them," said Brodland.

Especially if it means they feel those around them are inclusive to their thoughts.

"Not everybody understands what this is all about and if they have someone who understands, they're much more comforted by it," said Brodland.

This is something local schools hope they can assist with on a daily basis.

"It was a step in the right direction for making sure that we support all of our students," said Gil.

Again, those who are leading the task force are going to be collecting this information over the course of time, so we will find out the results, just not likely before the 2019-2020 school year.

As of now, the report is expected to be delivered to Governor Pritzker by January 2020.