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Committee introduces draft policy on multi-user privacy facilities; single-user options retained
Summary
On May 6 the Personnel & Policy Committee introduced draft Policy 253 to formalize longstanding district practice on locker rooms and restrooms, saying the policy maintains single-user facility access and aims to comply with federal and Pennsylvania law; the committee did not vote and scheduled a first reading at the full board meeting May 15.
The Southern York County SD Personnel & Policy Committee on May 6 introduced a draft Policy 253 intended to codify the district’s longstanding practices for multi-user restrooms, locker rooms, changing spaces and overnight accommodations.
The draft policy was described by the committee presenter as grounded in “respect for the individual dignity, privacy, and the importance of ensuring females are safe and comfortable.” The presenter said the policy would continue to provide access to multi-user facilities that “correspond to their [term redacted in transcript]” and would make single-user facilities available for anyone seeking additional privacy.
The presenter said the district “does not separate any of our privacy facilities based on race, religion, ancestry, national origin, [sexual orientation] or gender identity” and that the changes are meant to balance nondiscrimination with “the extremely important interest of physical privacy, modesty, and safety, particularly in settings like locker rooms and restrooms.”
The presenter also cited a recent April 28 U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights finding involving the University of Pennsylvania and Title IX, saying the OCR had found the university’s policies and practices violated Title IX. The presenter framed the draft as an effort to align district practice with federal and state law.
Committee members did not vote on the policy during the May 6 meeting; the presenter said the draft will be the subject of a first reading at the May 15 full board meeting, then published for public review and returned for a second reading and vote in June.
No formal amendments or operational regulations were adopted at the committee meeting; administrative staff will prepare the draft for the board packet and public posting.
