DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — The Central Bucks School District is taking steps to eliminate a controversial policy.
It states that students can only participate in sports teams that match their assigned gender at birth.
Critics say the policy discriminates against transgender athletes, while opponents of the change say it protects girls in sports.
Policy 123.3 was in effect for just two weeks before the new school board suspended it late last year. On Tuesday night, they took the first step toward permanently repealing the policy.
Repealing Policy 123.3 is part of changes promised by the new Democratic majority on the Central Bucks School Board.
School Board President Karen Smith (D) spoke to Action News about reversing several controversial policies enacted by the former conservative school board, saying, “We have taken the time to implement these changes. “We are doing this,” he said.
Policy 123.3 was passed after these board members lost their elections but before handing over the reins to a new board.
“It essentially discriminated against transgender athletes,” Smith said.
However, some residents voiced opposition to the policy’s reversal.
“I’m just a parent trying to protect my daughter,” said Mike Sobchak of Plumstead Township.
“This policy supports Title IX and is intended to protect girls in sports,” resident Vonna Dearmond said. “Why do you want me to retire?”
“The purpose of Title IX is to provide equal opportunity for all students,” Smith told Action News.
The board voted 8-1 to move forward with repealing the policy, with Republican board member Jim Pepper the lone dissenting vote.
The Democratic majority has already repealed several other controversial policies enacted by the previous board. They repealed a policy that prohibited teachers from displaying Pride flags and a policy that critics said amounted to a book ban.
“For some of our science classes and art classes, we had to have permission slips sent home because the books had nudity,” Smith said.
Regarding Policy 123.3, the district will return to operating under Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association guidelines.
“These guidelines give discretion to school principals,” Smith said.
She says the changes they’re making are already catching the attention of people in other parts of the state and around the country.
“Here in Central Bucks, we’ve solved the problem. But we’re also getting calls from people in other districts, from all over Pennsylvania to Florida, because they’re in the same situation as us right now. ” she said.
Smith said her goal is to return to a more moderate era for the school board. A final vote on reversing the sports team policy is expected in about a month.
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