By Roz Weis,
The Decorah Community School District (DCSD) administration has been scrambling to comply with a new lowa law regarding school bathroom facilities, while at the same time addressing concerned students/parents/staff.
The new law, SF 482, went into effect last week, requiring anyone in an Iowa school, including students, staff, parents and visitors, to use restrooms and changing areas that correspond with their biological sex listed on their official birth certificate.
The law does require districts to accommodate students who want more privacy, but DCSD Superintendent Tim Cronin said the district would have made such allowances for those seeking more discretion, whether or not it was stated in the new law.
“We want to ensure all the students are comfortable in our schools,” he told Driftless Multimedia Tuesday morning. “We don’t want them to be anxious.”
Cronin said concerns had been expressed by some students, parents and staff.
In a letter to families dated March 27, Cronin stated, “The DCSD strives at all times to be a welcoming environment for all students, employees, families and visitors. The district is committed to maintaining this inclusive atmosphere and supporting each of our students and one another.”
The letter continued, “We will continue to prioritize students’ sense of belonging in our schools. Students’ ability to use the restroom is a basic need, and we will ensure it is met in a manner that is least restrictive and least disruptive to their access to their education. Any student who, for any reason, desires greater privacy when using the restroom, changing rooms, and other facilities defined in the law, should submit a written request to their building principal, which must be signed by the student’s parent or guardian.”
The district created a form for families to use for such requests, and the form can be found on the DCSD website.
The principal will evaluate those submitted requests, and will, to the extent reasonable, offer alternative arrangements consistent with the new Iowa law.
“The district is committed to responding to all requests in a manner that respects and honors the dignity of each individual,” Cronin continued, “The district is committed to protecting the dignity of each of our students and providing support for our families.”
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