Bonneville School Board modifies gender identity rules

The Bonneville School Board has approved an updated policy on “Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation.”

The policy is intended to foster an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. It also outlines the board’s commitment to ensuring that every student has equal access to all school programs and activities.

The modifications to the board’s existing policy focus on the use of restrooms and dressing rooms in school buildings. The policy directs that official student records will be used to determine which facilities a student will use. According to the policy, “Physician’s written statement verifying the student is taking a medically prescribed hormone treatment under a physician’s care for the purposes of gender transition may be used temporarily to determine restroom/dressing room usage consistent with rules adopted by the Idaho High Schools Athletics Association.”

The original policy was adopted in January 2017. It outlines procedures for administrators to meet with parents, the use of official records, student privacy, extracurricular activities, overnight trips and the disciplinary actions that can be taken if a student’s rights are violated.

You can see a copy of the amended policy here.