The School Counselor and Gender Equity and Inclusivity

ASCA Position

School counselors affirm each and every student, regardless of someone’s gender, gender identity or gender expression, has the right to be treated with dignity and respect by creating safe learning environments free from discrimination, harassment and bullying. School counselors are committed to recognizing gender bias, modeling gender inclusivity, promoting gender equity and safeguarding the well-being of transgender and gender-nonconforming students. These principles are applied within the scope of the school counselor’s professional responsibilities and in accordance with applicable federal, state and local law and district policy.

The Rationale

School counselors recognize that gender-based discrimination negatively affects student outcomes across academic, career and social/emotional domains (Glisten, 2026; Leaper & Gutierrez, 2024). To expand the range of options available to students, it is important that school counselors become acutely aware of ways in which language, organizational structures, leader selection, expectations of individuals and activity implementation affect opportunities based on gender. Many federal and state laws have been passed protecting individuals from gender discrimination in education and work (e.g., Equal Pay Act of 1963; Civil Rights Act of 1964; Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Title IX, 1972; Women’s Educational Equity Act of 1974; Taylor Law, 1989; Vocational Amendments of 1976; Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009). These important legal mandates ensure equal treatment under the law but do not necessarily change ingrained attitudes and behaviors.
 
Although gender discrimination affects every student, transgender and gender-nonconforming students may face unique circumstances requiring additional support (Frost & Meyer, 2023; Glisten, 2026; Nath et al., 2024). For example, systemic barriers may lead to students reporting higher negative mental health and behavior outcomes (Russell et al., 2021). Research indicates that transgender and gender-nonconforming students with supportive adults in their school and affirming policies in their districts are more likely to feel safe and have a greater sense of belonging in school (Glisten, 2026). 

The School Counselor's Role

School counselors advocate for affirming, safe environments for each and every student, while aligning practice with law and policy at the federal, state, local and district levels (ASCA, 2022). Although the guidelines within this statement provide important suggestions, they cannot anticipate every situation that might arise in different settings.
 
School counselors:

• Model gender-inclusive actions and attitudes, as well as gender-affirming language, with both students and staff
• Provide proactive, developmentally appropriate, classroom instruction to educate and reduce gender-based bullying and discrimination
• Maintain awareness of continually evolving legislation and policy around gender equity and identity in educational settings and align practice accordingly
• Deliver classroom instruction on postsecondary readiness that recognizes stereotypical gender role expectations and reduces bias that may influence students’ career expectations and opportunities (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2023; National Science Foundation [NSF], 2023; Oliveria et al., 2020)
• Advocate for each and every student to have access to curricular or extracurricular opportunities, including athletic programs, and work to alleviate discrimination when policies limit transgender and gender-nonconforming students’ participation
• Support dress codes that are free from discrimination and equally enforced for each and every student
• Affirm that the determination of a student’s gender identity rests solely with the student.
• Consider how confidential, sensitive information about a student's identity may be accessible to other staff with a legitimate educational interest and parents/legal guardians, per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 
• Respect student autonomy and provide accurate, transparent information to each and every student about confidentiality limits and relevant laws and policies (ASCA, 2022)\
• Understand that it is best practice to refer to students by names and pronouns that affirm their gender, gender identity and gender expression (Russell et al., 2021)
• Advocate for affirming bathroom and locker room policies so each and every student can feel safe and use the selected facilities with dignity (Glisten, 2026)
• Encourage the routine re-evaluation of district operations, programs, policies and activities promoting gender-inclusive strategies and work collaboratively to remove barriers inhibiting gender equity (Glisten, 2026; McQuillan et al., 2024)

Summary

School counselors are committed to creating emotionally, intellectually and physically safe learning environments for each and every student, regardless of gender, gender identity or gender expression. School counselors’ model and advocate for gender equity and inclusivity that supports all members of the school community.