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Important Update: New Policies Approved by School Board

Dear Elizabethtown Area School District Families,

At their regularly scheduled January action meeting, the Elizabethtown Area School District Board of School Directors approved two new policies: Policy 123.3, related to sex-based distinctions in athletics, and Policy 216.1, concerning student records and name/gender identity. These policies were brought forward at the recommendation of the Board of School Directors for discussion and consideration in the fall.

The District understands that these policies may raise questions, and we want to provide you with a clear outline of their key elements and the steps required moving forward. First and foremost, we remain deeply committed to maintaining a respectful, safe, and fair environment for all students. We understand that the implications of these policies may vary for different families, and we are here to offer support as we move forward together. Our goal is to ensure every student has a positive experience while complying with the Board-approved policies.

If you have any questions or concerns about how these policies may affect your child, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school principal.

Policy 123.3 - Sex-Based Distinctions in Athletics

Key Elements of the Policy:

  • Sex-Segregated Athletic Teams: The policy designates separate athletic teams based on biological sex, with teams categorized as “male,” “female,” or “coed.”
  • Reasonable Accommodations: The policy allows reasonable accommodations, including opportunities for females to try out for male-designated teams, and for male students who have not started male puberty to try out for female-designated teams.
  • Eligibility and Participation: The policy outlines eligibility criteria and includes provisions for non-contact intramural sports to remain co-ed when appropriate.
  • Implementation Date: The implementation of this policy will begin on March 1, 2025.

What Parents Need to Know:

  • Teams designated for “females,” “women,” or “girls” are exclusively for students of the female sex, and teams designated for “males,” “men,” or “boys” are exclusively for students of the male sex.
  • If your child seeks to participate in a sport or team outside of the typical designation, please contact the Athletic Director or Principal for further information regarding the accommodation process.
  • All accommodation requests must be submitted in writing and may require supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s note for male students who have not started puberty.

Policy 216.2- Student Records - Name, Sex, and Gender Identity

Key Elements of the New Policy:

  • Legal Name and Pronouns: The District will continue to use students' legal names and sex as recorded in official documents in our Student Information System. However, we will also allow parents or eligible students to request an unofficial name change and/or pronoun preference.
  • Accommodation Requests: The policy allows for the accommodation of name and pronoun requests, ensuring the rights of both the student and others are respected.
  • Parental Involvement: The policy emphasizes that legally unprotected student information, including changes to gender identity, will not be kept from parents or guardians. The District will communicate with parents/guardians at the earliest possible time, although this may not always be immediate, depending on the circumstances.
  • Implementation Date: The implementation of this policy will begin on March 1, 2025.

What Parents Need to Know:

  • If you wish to update your child’s official name, unofficial name, pronoun preferences, or gender identity, please submit a written request using the appropriate District form. The form must be fully completed, signed by a parent or guardian, and include any necessary supporting documentation. Forms are available on the District website under the District Forms section.
  • If your child is an eligible student (18 years or older), they may submit a request independently.
  • In the absence of a written request for an unofficial name change, school personnel will refer to students using their legal name, a derivative of the legal name, or a commonly associated nickname for the legal name.

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