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Board rescinds gender identity policy after state law; members voice objections
Summary
Following passage of a state "bathroom bill," the Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education voted to rescind ACAB (student and staff gender identity and expression); several board members criticized the change but said they were legally required to comply.
The Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education voted on Feb. 26 to rescind policy ACAB, "Student and staff gender identity and expression," citing a newly enacted state law that the board said conflicted with the district policy.
Board member Mister Gomez, who framed his remarks in legal terms, said the board had waited the 90-day period after the governorsigned the state legislation and concluded the policy must be rescinded to comply with state law: "We have the obligation to follow the law with the state of Ohio regardless of, sometimes what we believe is in the best interest of our district for our students," he said.
Several board members expressed frustration at having to remove a policy they had worked on and defended as preserving student dignity. One board member said rescinding the policy was "hurtful" and added the district would still seek ways to support students within legal constraints.
The nut graf: The board's formal rescission follows state-level action; members emphasized they were acting to comply with state law while acknowledging the policy's supporters and expressing personal disagreement with the outcome.
Board discussion identified the cause of the action as a state measure commonly described in the meeting as a "bathroom bill," and members said they had delayed rescission for the statutory 90-day waiting period to allow staff and students time to prepare. Several members said they regretted having to remove the policy but that they were sworn to uphold state law.
Ending: The board approved the rescission by roll call and asked staff to incorporate any legally required changes; members asked for continued attention to student safety and dignity within the limits allowed by state law.
