Name, Gender and/or Pronoun Change

Any student (TK-12) has the right to be known as and referred to by their asserted name and pronouns that are aligned with their gender identity. 

How to request the change

• A student can inform their principal or counselor that they will be using their asserted name and pronouns at school.

• The student can also self-advocate and inform their teachers. It can be helpful to also let a principal or counselor know, so they can inform staff in a confidential way and support the change.

• The student may choose to tell only specific teachers or staff members and limit the spaces where they use their asserted name and pronouns. This might be a bit messy or confusing, but please try to follow the student's lead and offer support as best you can.

What will happen at school?

• The student will be referred to by their authentic name and pronouns. 
• The principal or counselor will ask the student if it is okay to use the student's asserted name and pronouns with family. If it is not okay, the principal or counselor will inform teachers confidentially to use only the student's legal name and gender with family.
• The student’s asserted name and pronouns can be noted in the “nickname” field within Infinite Campus for school staff to see (only if the student wants a note in the system).
• We acknowledge the student is asserting their authentic name. If the nickname field is used, it is just to make a note. Their authentic name must be used to refer to the student.
• The principal or counselor can also select the appropriate flags in Infinite Campus to serve as reminders for staff. 
• When printing substitute rosters, office staff should check the nickname box and black out legal first name. Substitute teachers need to be reminded about confidentiality. 
• A student may request a School ID, diploma or promotion certificate to be made with their asserted name and/or gender.

What WILL NOT change?

The name and/or gender visible on any Infinite Campus portal, teacher rosters. The way the students name and/or gender appears in HUSD data systems will not change.

Any student (TK-12) or their parent/legal guardian may request a preferred name change on all unofficial records by completing a simple one page form. 

How to request the change

• To get a Preferred Name Change Form, contact your Principal, HUSD Counselor or Cheri Smith, HUSD Enrollment Supervisor at 510-723-3857, ext. 34204 or by email at csmith@husd.us.

• A student may sign the form OR a parent/legal guardian may sign the form.

• Email a scanned copy of the Preferred Name Change Form (signed by a student OR parent/legal guardian) to Cheri Smith, HUSD Enrollment Supervisor (csmith@husd.us) or bring a hard copy to the HUSD Enrollment Center, 24823 Soto Road, Room 18.

• Make sure the form is complete and legible to avoid delays.

What will happen at school?

• The student will be referred to by their authentic name and pronouns. 

• The student's authentic name and/or gender will be updated and visible on all Infinite Campus portals, mail sent home, all printed rosters, etc. Other HUSD and California data systems update within 48 hours.

• The legal name and/or gender will remain hidden and attached to the student's official records in Infinite Campus and other data systems.

• School site staff make changes to the cumulative record folder, student ID, diploma or promotion certificates, etc.

• Teachers and staff are informed confidentially by the counselor or principal.

• Teachers and staff maintain confidentiality and do not share about the student's gender identity with other students, staff or people who do not need to know.

• EIT help desk request will be submitted to change name for district email and Google Classroom.

What WILL NOT change? 

The student's legal name and/or gender must always be on these official records and documents:

• Graduation Transcript

• CALPADS Grade Verification 
• IEP or 504 Plan 
• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Any student may have a legal name change for a variety of reasons.

How to request the change

• To get a Legal Name Change Form, contact your Principal, HUSD Counselor or Cheri Smith, HUSD Enrollment Supervisor at 510-723-3857, ext. 34204 or by email at csmith@husd.us.

• The Legal Name Change Form must be signed by a parent/legal guardian or student (age 18+). 

• Court documentation through court action is required. Examples:
  • Adoption
  • Petition by legal guardian (if both parents are deceased)
  • Court naturalization proceeding
  • Marriage
  • Court order contesting change of surname
  • Amended birth certificate

What will happen at school? 

• The student will be referred to by their legal name and pronouns.

• All official and unofficial records will be updated with the student's legal name and/or gender.

• Regardless of the level of parent or guardian awareness or participation, the student will be supported at school to be referred to by their asserted name and pronouns. The student's confidentiality and privacy will be protected. The student has the right to come out to specific adults in their life when they are ready (per HUSD board policy and California Education Code). 

• If it might be helpful, school staff can help a student talk to their parents about their identity if or when they are ready.

• School staff will make every effort to understand a student's unique situation and offer support. We can not guarantee a perfect situation with no mistakes, but will work together with a student to respond to their needs. 

• YES! Every effort must be made to consistently use a student's asserted name and pronouns at school. Continuing to use a transgender and/or non-binary student's legal name and pronouns in verbal or written form when avoidable is known as "deadnaming" a student and often causes harm.

• Honest mistakes might happen and do not count as harassment. However, if any staff or student refuses to refer to a student by their chosen name and pronouns, that is considered harassment. School staff must intervene and ensure a safe environment.

• For more information, please see these pages:
  • Transgender Youth Support
  • Know Your Rights
  • Mental Health Talk/Text Numbers
  • GSA / Ally Clubs
  • Get Help with Bullying or Harassment