The Arizona Daily Independent reports that the Peoria Unified School Board has passed new Student Privacy and Anti-Discrimination policies, making it among the first districts in the nation to implement clear guidelines on these issues. The policies passed on a 3-1 vote and reaffirm sex-based privacy standards while expanding anti-discrimination protections for students. The article quotes Governing Board Clerk Jeff Tobey:
“Student Privacy Policy reaffirms long-standing sex-based privacy standards, ensuring students are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. As part of this policy, multi-person restrooms, showers, and locker rooms must be used only by individuals of the same biological sex, while also allowing safe and reasonable accommodations for students who request additional privacy.”
This policy shift represents a significant win for parental rights and student privacy. By implementing clear guidelines that respect biological differences while offering appropriate accommodations, the Board has taken an important step to protect student dignity. Board President Heather Rooks stated:
As a member of the Peoria Unified School Board, I am committed to Leading with Excellence by ensuring the safety and privacy of every student… A strong Student Privacy Policy is not just a district priority-it is a community expectation. Parents and stakeholders trust us to create secure learning environments where students can thrive. This policy reflects the values of our district andthe broader public. National surveys, including Rasmussen, consistently show that a majority of Americans support maintaining sex-based privacy standards in restrooms and locker rooms. Protecting student privacy is essential for their well-being and security.”
The Board’s decision aligns with public sentiment, as national surveys consistently show that a majority of Americans support maintaining sex-based privacy standards in school facilities. Additionally, the expanded Anti-Discrimination Policy now includes protections for pregnancy, parenting status, veteran status, and genetic information, while defining sex as biological sex—providing much-needed clarity for the district.
Read the full story here.