New Hampshire passed a law that sorts students in school sports by biological sex. Two students who are boys and identify as girls were given a legal exception as part of their lawsuit against the state, claiming that the bill is discriminatory. Regular readers will know well that they are not the only ones playing on girls’ teams or that nothing is being done to prevent that.
Haverhill, New Hampshire (SAU23) and the Haverhill Cooperative School District have taken this idea to a whole new level. The district adopted a suggested policy from the New Hampshire School Boards Association called JBAB. We’ve got scores of articles about it here, but long story short, it is unconstitutional, and when legally challenged, schools will find it more equitable to drop the policy than lose the likely or threatened lawsuits.
Clearly, no one has done this yet at SAU23.
Haverhill’s (SAU23) policy includes rules in the student code of conduct that are migrated onto forms parents and students must sign to participate in school sports.
Let me say that again. If you want to play sports, you must sign an online form at registration acknowledging the right of boys to play on girls’ teams (and vice-versa though that is incredibly rare).
Apologies for the image quality. I am attempting to pull these receipts without revealing the identity of my sources, who have asked to remain anonymous.
This informs parents and the student that all forms must be completed and signed.
Among the list of forms/policies they are signing off on is the school’s transgender policy (informed by JBAB and the school code of conduct).
Page 23 of the handbook under code of conduct covers school policy on transgender and non-conforming students.
Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Procedure
In accordance with policy JBAB, Woodsville High School recognizes and supports transgender and gender nonconforming students by providing guidelines to address their specific needs. This procedure ensures a respectful and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of gender identity or expression.
Procedure:
● Initiating Support:
○ Transgender students and/or their parent(s)/guardian(s) must contact the student’s counselor or building administrator to initiate support services. For new students, contact the appropriate building administrator.
● Development of a Support Plan:
○ Upon request, a written support plan will be developed by the school in consultation with the student, parent(s)/guardian(s), and other relevant parties. If the student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan, these provisions will be integrated into the support plan.
● Documentation:
○ The school may request documentation from medical or service providers as needed to develop an appropriate support plan for the student.
● Privacy and Confidentiality:
○ The support plan should address how the school handles disclosures of a student’s ransgender status. Staff should respect the student’s privacy preferences and avoid disclosing confidential information.
● Official Records:
○ Schools maintain permanent records that include legal name and gender. Changes to this official information require documentation of a legal name or gender change in accordance with applicable laws.
● Names and Pronouns:
○ School staff and students are expected to use the name and pronouns that correspond to the student’s gender identity consistently asserted at school.
● Restrooms:
○ Transgender students may use the restroom corresponding to their consistently asserted gender identity. Alternative facilities or accommodations will be provided upon request for students desiring privacy.
● Locker Rooms:
○ Transgender students may use the locker room corresponding to their consistently asserted gender identity. Privacy accommodations, such as separate stalls or alternative schedules, will be provided upon request.
● Other Facilities and Activities:
○ In gender-segregated facilities or activities, transgender students may participate in accordance with their consistently asserted gender identity.
● Safety and Support:
○ School staff are expected to comply with the student’s support plan and promptly address any concerns about the student’s safety or well-being. Staff should be vigilant against bullying or harassment directed at transgender or transitioning students. This procedure aims to create a supportive and inclusive school environment where all students can thrive. If you have any questions or concerns about our transgender and gender nonconforming procedure, please contact School Counselor Rosalie Farr at RFarr@SAU23.org
It is school policy, in violation of state law, to not just allow boys to play as girls on girls’ teams at Woodsville High School; to play on the team, the parent and student must acknowledge this by signing off on it.
You can’t play if you don’t agree that boys are girls in sports (athletic locker room and bathrooms).
Parents in Haverhill might not know this, but they should. JBAB is undefendable in court and boys playing on girls teams is against the law.
