Pennridge school board members look on at a February meeting
The move follows the federal government’s recent overhaul of Title IX, a 1972 law that prohibits sex discrimination in education.
The Pennridge School Board Monday evening repealed the district’s sex-based bathroom policy that required students to use the bathroom that matched their biological sex, effective August 1.
The move follows the federal government’s recent overhaul of Title IX, a 1972 law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. Among other provisions, the new 1,577-page regulation forbids blanket policies that bar transgender students from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity. While the regulation is set to take effect on August 1, several Republican-led states have filed lawsuits to block the change.
At Monday’s meeting, Superintendent Angelo Berrios stressed the importance of remaining in compliance with Title IX, a requirement for federal funding.
“The recent updates to federal Title IX regulations prompt us to reevaluate our approach to handling these matters,” said Berrios.
While retiring the current policy, the board and administration proposed a shift to an administrative regulation, which, unlike a formal policy, would provide the district with the flexibility to adapt to legal changes, said Berrios.
Under the proposed administrative regulation, the high school would offer three pairs of faculty restrooms, six pairs of sex-based multi-user bathrooms and one pair of gender-based multi-user bathrooms. The regulation would also provide four pairs of single-occupancy bathrooms, up from two pairs, with signage and exterior locks.
“This approach underscores our commitment to an inclusive and respectful environment where every member of our school community will feel welcomed and supported,” said Assistant Superintendent for Administration Bradley Palmer.
The administration is also considering the installation of modernized toilet stalls equipped with larger doors and dividers to enhance student privacy, said Palmer.
Board president Ron Wurz described the proposed regulation as a fair compromise.
“This is a compromise,” said Wurz. “I think it supports every child, and that’s why I believe we should retire this and give administration the flexibility they need to modify this in the future without having to go through three readings. That’s common sense to me.”
However, some board members reiterated concerns about enforcement mechanisms and the safety of female students in bathrooms.
In the end, the motion to retire the sex-based bathroom policy passed 5-4, with board members Wurz, Leah Rash, Chris Kaufman, Bradley Merkl-Gump and Carolyn Sciarrino voting in the majority and board members Christine Batycki, Jordan Blomgren, Ricki Chaikin and Bob Cormack voting in the minority.
