'Gender inclusive' policy passed by Harrington schools

HARRINGTON – The Harrington School Board recently passed a “gender inclusive” policy on Oct. 28 to address the needs of transgender and gender-expansive students.

The policy affirms that an “inclusive approach” to transgender and gender-expansive students in regards to “use of names and pronouns”, “restroom and locker room use”, dress codes and other items. The goal of the policy is to “provide these students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement.”

In order to do this, the policy outlines that the district will require specific training for staff and volunteers and appoint a primary contact to receive copies of formal and informal complaints.

While the policy would pertain to all students at the K-12 school, it is likely high school students that would be most affected as the policy could address locker room use or transgender students participating in sports.

Principal Tiffany Clouse said there are currently 35 students in the high school but declined to expand on what the policy might mean.

“We will determine the policy on a student by student basis,” Clouse said.

Harrington district officials were told by the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction that if the policy was not passed, the district may not be eligible for certain state funds or receive fines.

Katy Payne, a spokesperson for the Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction, said a 2019 law requires districts to pass “gender inclusive” policies.

Payne noted that state law says failing to pass the policy can result in the termination of all or part of state apportionment or categorical moneys to districts that do not pass the policy.