Berwick School District Enacts Controversial Transgender Policies

The Berwick Area School District has adopted two contentious policies concerning transgender and nonbinary students, which regulate the names these students may use in class and how they access bathrooms. The decision, made by the Board of Education on September 8, 2025, has sparked significant debate within the community, with advocates on both sides expressing strong opinions.

Supporters of the policies, including some residents, view them as a reflection of parental rights and traditional values. Dan Jensen, a resident of Hollenback Township, expressed that the prevailing liberal attitudes at the meeting might deter families from enrolling their children in the district. His wife, Cindy Jensen, accused opponents of the policies of showing hostility towards Christian values. “We have our values and they’re important to us,” Dan Jensen stated.

On the other side, critics have labeled the policies as harmful and authoritarian, potentially jeopardizing the well-being of LGBTQ students. Lydia Price, a movement leader with the Sunrise Movement, addressed the board, saying, “I would like to voice my disappointment with your choice and your votes today. This is abhorrent and I hope you know that.”

Policy Details and Reactions

The newly adopted policies include formal requirements regarding name usage and bathroom access. The name policy, designated as 216.2, mandates that students’ legal names and sex assigned at birth must be registered with the district. If a transgender student wishes to use their preferred name, a written request must be submitted by a parent or guardian. School staff are instructed to avoid using a student’s legal name if requested, but they may choose a “neutral” option if they object to the preferred name.

The bathroom policy, labeled 719, requires students to use facilities corresponding with their sex assigned at birth. Should a transgender student wish to use a bathroom aligned with their gender identity, the principal must ensure that the facility is closed for their private use. Superintendent Jason Bendle noted that these policies formalize practices that had been in place, stating, “It puts into policy what was in practice.”

While many public comments were critical of the policies, some residents voiced their support. Eighth-grade student Harper Stanley argued that keeping restrooms separated by sex assigned at birth is essential for ensuring the privacy and safety of female students. She highlighted her belief that the policies do not aim to exclude anyone but rather to protect students’ comfort.

Community Division and Ongoing Discussions

The board meeting attracted considerable attention, reminiscent of previous gatherings where transgender rights advocates expressed their opposition. Jill Freeman, a borough resident, decried the policies as a misplaced focus on marginalizing vulnerable children rather than addressing more pressing issues like bullying. She referenced research from the Journal of Adolescent Health indicating that using a transgender student’s preferred name can significantly reduce feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Critics also raised concerns about the religious motivations behind the support for the policies. Allison Smith, a resident of Briar Creek Township, remarked that the policies seem to prioritize the beliefs of particular Christian families over the rights of others, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

As the debate continues, community advocates like Kristina Birdsall Culver stress the need for a supportive environment for transgender students. Culver intends to submit a letter authorizing her child to use any name or pronouns of their choosing, arguing that fostering inclusivity could decrease the risk of suicide among transgender youth. She questioned whether common sense supports the notion that protecting students’ lives should be the paramount concern.

The board’s decision reflects a broader national conversation regarding the rights of transgender and nonbinary individuals in educational settings. As discussions evolve, the Berwick Area School District remains at the forefront of a contentious issue that resonates deeply within its community.