By Matthew Holloway |
The Peoria Unified School Board (PUSD) has adopted new Student Privacy and Anti-Discrimination policies to provide “clarity on critical issues that have remained ambiguous in practice for years.”
Under the student privacy policy, the district aims to reaffirm “long-standing sex-based privacy standards,” and ensure that all multi-person restrooms, showers, and locker rooms in the district will be limited to use determined by biological sex while “allowing safe and reasonable accommodations for students who request additional privacy.” Under the expanded Anti-Discrimination policy, the district will include protections for pregnancy and parenting status, veteran status, genetic information, and define sex as biological sex in addition to maintaining its protections for individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, and disability.
A press release from PUSD explains that the new policies are “Rooted in the original intent of Title IX, which was enacted over 50 years ago to prohibit sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs.” It added that the policies uphold “the principles of equal opportunity while recognizing inherent biological differences, particularly in athletics and privacy accommodations.”
“By adopting these standards, the Board ensures that students have access to a learning environment that respects their rights and privacy, while also shifting accommodation responsibilities back onto the district rather than placing the burden on other students.”
Board President Heather Rooks said in a statement, “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 and the 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 PUSD policies have been a topic of contention on the school board since 2023 when the Governing Board voted to reject a motion to even draft such a policy as reported by AZ Free News. However, under the newly elected administration led by Rooks, the policies have been adopted in short order.
Rooks, fresh off of a U.S. District Court ruling against her lawsuit on biblical quotation during board meetings, has also said via her legal team that she intends to resume quoting Bible passages. Judge Michael Liburdi determined that emailed opinions of the school district’s attorney constitutes “legal advice to board members,” and not an action to prevent her from doing so.
First Liberty Institute, the legal organization representing Rooks told the outlet in a statement, “Heather plans to resume saying the Bible verses at the next board meeting, and appeal the district court’s ruling to ensure her speech remains protected.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
