The Peoria Unified School Board is among the first in the nation to implement a Student Privacy Policy and an Anti-Discrimination Policy, providing what the majority of the Board believes is “long-overdue clarity on critical issues that have remained ambiguous in practice for years.”
The policies passed on a 3-1 vote. Board member Melissa Ewing was the lone “no” vote. Board member Becky Proudfit was absent.
Governing Board Clerk Jeff Tobey said in an announcement of the change that the “Student Privacy Policy reaffirms long-standing sex-based privacy standards, ensuring students are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. As part of this policy, multi-person restrooms, showers, and locker rooms must be used only by individuals of the same biological sex, while also allowing safe and reasonable accommodations for students who request additional privacy.”
“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, this policy upholds the principles of equal opportunity while recognizing inherent biological differences, particularly in athletics and privacy accommodations,” explained Tobey. “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.”
“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,” Board President Heather Rooks stated. “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 andthe 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.”
Additionally, the Board strengthened and expanded the District’s Anti-Discrimination Policy. While it maintains protections for individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, and disability, the expanded policy now also includes protections for pregnancy and parenting status, veteran status, genetic information, and defines sex as biological sex.
“With these policies now in place,” stated Tobey, “the Board can turn its focus to other critical issues affecting our students and the District. My priorities remain school safety, academic excellence, and responsible financial stewardship.”
“In Arizona, many families enjoy the benefit of school choice, and I want to thank those who continue to choose or announced their return to Peoria Unified School District after seeing the positive changes in action,” concluded Tobey.
