School district should consider privacy of all students

How did we come to this? State law says that schools cannot discriminate on bases of sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity. It is a good law except when it violates common sense and the rights of others.

Cheney School District is considering adopting a new nondiscrimination policy that addresses transgender student issues. Within the new policy is the transgender students’ right to access the restrooms and locker rooms with which they most associate their identity. The new policy reads:

“The District recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach toward transgender students with regard to official records, confidential health and education information, communication, restroom and locker room accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes and other school activities, in order to provide these students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement.”

Much of this policy is as it should be. However, the privacy rights of the majority would be negated by the “inclusion” of restrooms and locker rooms.

The new policy is a preemptive move. Should the issue arise, Cheney School District can point to a policy. Shouldn’t the school district consider the welfare and privacy of all students when writing policy?

Suzanne Johns

Cheney