Bonneville teachers required to certify their ‘biological sex’

Trustees in Idaho's Bonneville School District voted Wednesday night to approve a resolution directing the superintendent to create a form that every district employee must sign certifying their biological sex. The form will use the definitions found in Idaho law. District leaders say the step is meant to ensure compliance with Senate Bill 1100, a 2023 state law that limits multi-occupancy school restrooms to members of the matching biological sex.

In a letter to employees, Superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme said the district collected personal information during hiring without necessarily asking staff to confirm it fits the legal definitions. He said the district cannot make assumptions based on names or appearance. Under the draft form, each employee would see the sex currently on file, say whether it is accurate, and pick male or female if it is not. Employees would also acknowledge that they may use only restrooms and changing facilities matching their biological sex. Human Resources would follow up confidentially with anyone reporting an inaccuracy. The resolution says certifications, discrepancies, accommodation requests and any medical documentation would be kept as confidential personnel records with limited access. A board clerk said employees with questions or accommodation needs can contact HR.

The article notes that the Boise School District's insurer recently paid $34,000 to settle a former student's lawsuit alleging a violation of SB 1100. It also reports that plaintiffs dropped a separate challenge to the law in May, according to the attorney general.