SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah State Board of Education now says it will be up to school districts to implement its controversial new bathroom bill, HB 257.
The Salt Lake City School District initially believed it needed to show all students how the new bathroom bill would work. However, the district ultimately canceled the public presentation after a backlash from parents and questions from KSL News Radio.
Instead, the district said it will work one-on-one with affected students.
Last week, the bill's sponsor, Rep. Kera Birkeland, told Jeff Caplan's Afternoon News that this is close to what she had intended all along.
“I'm not sure what Salt Lake City was trying to do honestly,” Birkeland said.
“I talked to different districts around the state. (They) were asked by the media, 'Hey, this is what Salt Lake is doing.' what are you guys doing? ” Many superintendents said, “We're just going to do what's best for the kids.'' Promoting gender ideology to all children is not the best approach. They say some children want to use the bathroom that doesn't match their biological sex, which isn't in their best interest. ”
Utah State Board of Education says no guidance was given regarding implementation of bathroom bill
USBE said in a statement Tuesday that neither Congress nor the Board of Education has provided guidance on how the information should be presented. USBE said it's up to school districts, or local education agencies (LEAs), to decide what's best for students.
“USBE does not provide guidance or instructions. state “Congress is asking LEAs to provide guidance and direction regarding this bill,” the USBE statement said.
“LEAs will determine how best to communicate the requirements contained in the bill to students and families in their respective communities.”
This law takes effect on May 1, 2024.
