Pennridge School Board passes new bathroom policy in tense meeting

May 19, 2023

EAST ROCKHILL — The Pennridge School Board Wednesday evening passed a new policy requiring students and staff to use the bathroom and locker room that match their biological sex.

Policy 720 states, "No person shall enter a restroom, locker room, or shower that is designated for the use of the opposite sex. There are privacy interests that arise from the physical differences between the sexes, which justify separate facilities on the basis of sex. The purpose of this policy is to respect the rights of students and staff."

While instituting sex-based facilities, the policy states that single-use facilities will be accessible for everyone regardless of their sex or gender identity.

The new bathroom policy is the latest in a series of school board policies and decisions concerning sex and gender identity, including the disbanding of the district's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, a proposed "opt-out" policy for school surveys on "controversial issues," including "sexual orientation" and "gender identity," and a ban on advocacy symbols, which critics accused of being targeted at the Pride flag.

At Wednesday's meeting, the policy drew both support and opposition from members of the public.

Cassie Rudolph of Hilltown, a former Pennridge student, criticized the policy for targeting the LGBTQ+ community. She said that the policy adds insult to injury following the advocacy ban.

"How can I be Pennridge proud in a district that outright prevents me and my fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community from living out and proud?" asked Rudolph.

Katie Rene of Perkasie said the policy is the latest example of the board's misplaced priorities.

"This board is concerning itself with who is in which bathroom rather than the fact that drug use and vaping in the bathroom stops many kids from even attempting to use them," said Rene.

Matt Carbarnaro of Perkasie commended the policy as a common sense proposal that recognizes basic biology.

"You are either born a male or female. It's pretty simple science," said Carbarnaro. "It's going down a slippery slope to allow men into girls’ bathrooms and vice versa."

Jake Witson of Dublin similarly expressed support for the policy, arguing that the physical differences of the sexes necessitate segregated bathrooms.

"The bathrooms have different plumbing because the people using them have different plumbing," said Witson. "We care about that physical difference because at the end of the day there can be physical harm."

Priscilla Graystoll, a retired middle school teacher, voiced concern about the mental health of students and teachers. She asked board members if they have solicited feedback on the policy from transgender students.

"You may feel if you have a penis or a vagina that you’ve gotta go into a certain bathroom, but that's not really what it's about," said Graystoll. "I have a 10-year-old transgender niece, and I thank goodness every day that she is not in this school district."

Following public comment, the board quickly passed the policy by a vote of 7-1, with board member Ron Wurz casting the lone "no" vote. Wurz, for his part, raised concerns about potential litigation that could drag on for years.

The next Pennridge school board meeting is on June 12 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit pennridge.org.

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