Doe v. Boyertown Area School District (U.S.C.A. 3rd Circuit, 2018)

At issue in this case is Boyertown Area School District's policy allowing transgender students to use the restrooms and changing facilities consistent with their gender identity. ADL, which has provided anti-bias training to schools in Boyertown through its No Place for Hate program for over a decade, filed an amicus brief supporting Boyertown's inclusive policy. Our amicus was joined by LGBT advocacy organizations, healthcare providers, civil society groups, education and youth advocates, and Jewish organizations. In the brief, we draw on our experience as a provider of anti-bias education programs to show that inclusive policies like Boyertown’s are in the best interests of all students and promote safe and successful school environments.  The brief also highlights that Boyertown’s policy is not only constitutional, but necessary to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination protections under federal law. Schools without such policies that unlawfully discriminate against trans students only contribute to the obstacles facing these students, who experience disproportionate rates of bullying, harsh discipline, dropout, homelessness, and other negative outcomes.