Locust Valley school board adopts Title IX-based policy for bathrooms, locker rooms and athletics

The Locust Valley Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a resolution directing the district to require restrooms, locker rooms and athletic participation to correspond with a student’s sex as defined under federal Title IX, while continuing to make designated gender‑neutral facilities available.

The action follows months of discussion by the board, public comment and legal briefings about a conflict the board described between certain New York State authorities’ interpretations of state law and recent federal actions and guidance. Board President George Vasilio said the board had tried to balance competing obligations and accommodations, and he described the decision as difficult but necessary.

The resolution says the district will "mandate that all students shall be required to use restrooms and locker rooms that correspond with the student's sex as defined under Title IX of federal law," and that any student who needs an alternative arrangement shall be provided access to a designated gender‑neutral bathroom or locker room. The resolution also directs the district to allow students to participate in physical education and sports consistent with their sex as defined under…