COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The Columbia School Board has unanimously approved the addition of gender identity and gender expression to the district’s anti-discrimination policy.

The issue was first brought to the board’s attention in May, and it took a final vote Monday night, the first meeting of the new school year.

Superintendent Peter Stiepleman says there are eight students attending Columbia Public Schools this year who identify as transgender.

The Columbia Missourian reports that he sought the policy change to ensure the district makes transgender students feel safe and comfortable at school.

The district’s anti-discrimination policy is in place to protect both students and faculty.