A closer look
At a June 20 regular meeting, the board discussed policies known as "Facility Standards" and "Identification of Students."
The "Identification of Students" policy means employees of KISD will not be required or encouraged to use a student’s preferred pronouns that are inconsistent with a student’s or other person’s biological sex as it appears on the birth certificate, the district policy stated.
An email from the communication department at KISD stated: “The policy also says that employees will not be compelled to address students in a way that violates their rights. The policy does not contemplate any discipline or other repercussions for using a student's preferred pronouns.”
The "Facility Standards" policy states students must use district facilities based on the biological sex assigned at birth, such as restrooms and locker facilities. School policy would allow accommodations for single-user restrooms for students, a practice that is already in place, according to district.
The policy changes passed by a 5-0 vote with Trustee Ruthie Keyes abstaining from voting. Trustee Micah Young was not present at the meeting.
The American Civil Liberties Union wrote a letter to the board warning them that the policies violate state and federal laws.
"Enacting these policies would harm Keller ISD students, invade their medical privacy and defy best practices recommended by nonpartisan education associations, including the Texas Association of School Boards," the letter stated.
The policy changes, that went into effect immediately, were similar to what Grapevine-Colleyville ISD board of trustees passed last school year.
Some context
More than 50 speakers voiced concerns or support of the policy changes during the special meeting. The public comment portion accounted for more than two hours in the three-hour-long meeting. Two residents from GCISD spoke during the meeting, with one supporting KISD adopting the policy and another stating KISD would open itself up for lawsuits.
The ACLU filed a complaint in November against KISD in regards to policy changes for library books.
