Board cites duty to follow state law
CHENEY – By a 5-1 vote, the School Board approved a new gender-inclusive policy during its Jan. 8 meeting.
Policy 3211 addresses issues like names, pronouns, student records, restroom use and staff training.
Assistant Superintendent Tom Arlt clarified that the policy ensures compliance with state law, and reflects Cheney Public Schools’ commitment to creating a safe learning environment for all students.
“It has nothing to do with trans kids in sports,” Arlt said. “It has to do with state law.”
The meeting included strong comments about so-called “transgender” students in athletics.
“I’m worried about fairness for girls who work so hard only to have their achievements taken away,” local parent Sharon Bridges said. “It’s devastating for girls to work hard only to have their achievements overshadowed.”
Board President Mark Scott, who cast the lone dissenting vote, expressed frustration with the policy.
“This policy is against my faith,” he said. “It degrades other peoples’ First Amendment rights, and infringes on the rights of families and other kids.”
Scott suggested lobbying to change state laws.
Board Member Bill Hanson however emphasized the board’s obligation to adhere to state law.
“Local control is going to the state legislators,” Hanson said, noting that he plans to draft a letter to lawmakers.
Scott said that he spent a lot of time reading the state law on this issue.
“The law is lax, and policy is different from laws,” he said. “They took a pretty hard stance with how they wrote the policy.”
Other members defended the policy’s adoption.
“Our role is to follow the law, not pick and choose based on personal beliefs,” Vice President Henry Browne said. “We don’t get to pick and choose what laws we follow.”
He reiterated that Policy 3211 is separate from guidelines governing transgender athletes.
Board member Liz Winer voiced her support for transgender students.
“To tall transgender students, I want to say that you are seen, you are valued, and I hope we can come to a better solution,” she urged.
The discussion follows other school districts grappling with the issue statewide. It also comes as WIAA considers proposed rules that would restrict “transgender” boys from competing in girls sports.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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