Board keeps separate bathrooms and locker rooms by sex; appeal and federal case pending

What happened

On January 8, 2026, the board president said the board believes it is lawful to keep sex-separated bathrooms and locker rooms, with reasonable accommodations. She said the matter is pending before the State Education Commissioner and in a federal declaratory judgment action. Board members said they will not re-debate it each month while courts decide.

Why it matters to families

This affects which restrooms and locker rooms students may use. A court or the Commissioner could change the rule. Residents have asked for months about Title IX and legal costs.

The evidence

The January 8 meeting recording (auto-generated captions) has the board statements. Minutes for Oct 21, Nov 13, Dec 4 and Jan 8 record residents speaking on Title IX policy and pending litigation. The collected records do not include the policy text or any ruling.

The source