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Parent urges District 203 to adopt female-only sports policies, citing recent litigation
Summary
A parent told trustees July 14 he wants the district to adopt policies preserving sex-segregated sports and facilities, citing recent litigation and Department of Justice actions in other states and urging the board to adopt "biology-based" definitions for male and female to avoid potential federal enforcement and loss of funding.
Jason Copeland, a parent of two District 203 students, used his July 14 public-comment time to urge the board to adopt clear policies to preserve female-only sports and exclusive spaces, warning that inaction could lead to litigation and federal enforcement. Copeland cited recent and ongoing legal disputes in other states and cases involving the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, and he praised the University of Pennsylvania for a settlement that he said restored records and adopted a biology-based definition of male and female. "There's a better way forward as demonstrated by the University of Pennsylvania," Copeland said. "I urge this board to act now, adopt clear policies that preserve sports and spaces exclusively for females and males before it's forced upon you by courts, lawsuits, or financial disaster." Copeland suggested the district could face substantial legal costs and potential jeopardy to federal funding if it does not adopt clear policy language; he also invoked Title IX in his remarks. The board did not take action on the request during the meeting; the comment was made during the public-comment period and is recorded in the meeting minutes.
