Regional School Unit 19 had training on gender identity confidentiality for students; staff told to use preferred pronouns for students

Parents Defending Education submitted a public records request to Regional School Unit 19 seeking any guidance on transgender issues. The district provided PDE with a presentation for staff titled “Affirmative Action Training August 2024.” One slide is titled “Confidentiality” and makes no reference to notifying parents. This slide states that “you can’t promise confidentiality.” However, it then states: “You are a mandatory reporter, assure them only those that need to know, will know.”

Staff are told to “review your own language/practice for bias” and “respect pronoun choice.” Staff are also told to “use the student’s preferred name and pronouns consistent with their gender identity” and “respect the student’s gender they identify with.” Students are allowed to use the restrooms and locker rooms that match their preferred gender identity.