School and Education Rights:

Students can ask their school to change their name and gender marker in the Student Information System. No legal name change or other documentation is required.

Schools are not required to change name information in their system. However, they are legally required to respect a student by using the correct name and pronouns that match their gender identity, even if they do not match what is on the student's record. Learn more about students' rights to privacy at school.

If a school employee repeatedly or purposefully mis-genders a student, refuses to call them by their preferred name, or fails to stop other students from doing so, this may be illegal bullying or harassment. Learn more about reporting illegal discrimination by a school employee.

• Students have the right to use locker rooms and bathrooms that match their gender identity and to use them in the same way all other students do. Students do not need to provide "proof" that they are transgender.

• Students may prefer a separate changing area or gender-neutral bathroom and can request that, but they cannot be forced to change or use the restroom in a separate space.

• While dress codes apply to everyone, they cannot be used to police a student's gender identity. Students have the right to dress in a way that reflects who they are, even if the school has school uniforms.

• For general information about bathroom access in Illinois, visit this ILAO resource on bathroom access.

• When it comes to school sports, Illinois students can play on the team that matches their gender identity.

• For Illinois state-run competitions, a student's school will help them apply through the Illinois High School Association or Illinois Elementary School Association. No medical transition is required to play, and while not required, if a student has medical documentation, they may be asked to share it. If a student is denied, they have a right to appeal. If you have questions about this process, call the Illinois Pride Connect Legal Hotline at 855-805-9200

• In Summer 2026, the Supreme Court is expected to decide whether state governments can prohibit transgender students from playing on the team that matches their gender identity. We do not know whether the outcome of this case will directly impact the rights of transgender students in Illinois. Right now, Illinois law requires schools to allow transgender athletes to participate in school sports. Read more about the pending Supreme Court cases, West Virginia v. BPJ and Little v. Hecox.

• Illinois students also have the right to form LGBTQIA+ clubs, and the club must be given the same opportunities, guidelines, and support as all other clubs.

If a school employee or another student treats an LGBTQIA+ student differently, unfairly, or bullies or harasses them, the school must protect the student. Learn more about the legal definitions of bullying and harassment.

If a school employee repeatedly or purposefully mis-genders a student, refuses to call them by their preferred name, or fails to stop other students from doing so, this may be illegal bullying or harassment. If a school does not act, does not fix the problem, or denies a student their rights, there are options to explore under state law.

Learn more about reporting illegal discrimination by a school employee.

Learn more about reporting bullying at Chicago Public Schools.

Use this form to report bullying at a Chicago Public School.

Hoya informativa sobre la intimidacíon en las Escuelas Públicas De Chicago. Formulario para reportar actos de intimidación y respresalias en las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago.