Annual Parent Notices

In September 2024, the BISD School Board adopted revised Policy 3205 and Policy 5011, as required by new 2024 Title IX Regulations. On January 9, 2025, a federal district court judge issued a ruling in Tennessee vs. Cardona, a lawsuit filed against the 2024 Title IX Regulations. The judge's decision ordered a vacatur of the 2024 Title IX Regulations. As a result, the 2024 Title IX Regulations are no longer in effect and all K-12 school districts have been directed to revert to prior policies that align with the 2020 Title IX Regulations.

Bainbridge Island School District is committed to:

• Implement policy in alignment with 2020 Title IX Regulations (3205)
• Follow procedure in alignment with 2020 Title IX Regulations (3205P)
• Continue to abide by Washington State Discrimination Laws: RCW 28A.640 and WAC 392-190
• Maintain a clear process for handling discrimination complaints
• Provide equal opportunities in athletics and educational programs
• Address sexual harassment and discrimination concerns promptly and effectively
• Conduct regular self-evaluations of district compliance
• Ensure BISD staff are trained on Title IX compliance & responsibilities
• Educate BISD students on their rights under Title IX

BISD Title IX Coordinator

Kristen Haizlip, Associate Superintendent
206-780-1058
khaizlip@bisd303.org
8489 Madison Avenue N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Resources

• Dear Colleague letter on Title IX rules - US Dept of Education, Office of Civil Rights (February 4, 2025)
• OSPI Guidance: Sexual Harassment in Washington K–12 Public Schools

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

• Address students by their requested name and pronouns, whether or not they have legally changed their name.
• Update students’ gender designation so they are accurately reflected in school records.
• Provide students with access to restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity.

· Ensure students can participate in sports, physical education classes, field trips, and overnight trips consistent with their gender identity.

• Keep students’ health and education information private and confidential.
• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and enforce dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender.
• Create an inclusive, respectful environment and protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity.

Executive Order on Gender

Any state can continue to have laws and policies that recognize more than two genders, including transgender and nonbinary individuals, even if a federal executive order defines gender narrowly. Here's why:

• State Authority: Education is largely governed at the state and local levels. Washington state has the authority to establish its own policies for schools, including those that affirm and support transgender and nonbinary students, as long as these policies do not conflict with federal law.

• State Nondiscrimination Laws: Washington is one of several states with robust anti-discrimination protections, including for LGBTQ individuals. These laws apply to schools, workplaces, and other areas, and they include protections based on gender identity and expression. The state's legal framework remains valid unless explicitly preempted by federal law, which generally requires Congressional action rather than an executive order.

• Limits of Executive Orders: An executive order is a directive for federal agencies and does not automatically override state laws. Unless accompanied by new federal legislation or court rulings, states retain significant control over policies related to education and gender recognition.

• Conflict Resolution: If a federal executive order conflicts with Washington state's laws, disputes may arise, but courts typically resolve these issues. Historically, courts have supported states' rights to go beyond federal minimums in offering protections to marginalized groups.

^ Source: Pullman Public Schools

Policies & Procedures

Policy 3211 & Procedure 3211P: Gender-Inclusive Schools

Policy 3210 & Procedure 3210P: Nondiscrimination

Policy 3207 & Procedure 3207P: Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying of Students

Policy 3205 & Procedure 3205P: Sexual Discrimination & Sex-Based Harassment of Students Prohibited 

Policy 5011 & Procedure 5011P: Sexual Discrimination & Sex-Based Harassment of Staff Prohibited (pending administrative & board review)

BISD Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator

Kristen Haizlip, Associate Superintendent
206-780-1058
khaizlip@bisd303.org
8489 Madison Avenue N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Resources

OSPI Information for Families: Gender-Inclusive Schools

The Bainbridge Island School District is committed to maintaining a safe and equitable learning environment for all students. As outlined in BISD Policy 4300:

The Bainbridge Island School District does not grant permission for any person engaging in, or intending to engage in, immigration enforcement, including surveillance, to access the nonpublic areas of school district facilities, property, equipment, databases, or otherwise on school grounds or their immediate vicinity. 

Immigrant Students' Rights to Attend Public Schools

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Plyler vs. Doe (457 U.S. 202 (1982)) that undocumented children and young adults have the same right to attend public primary and secondary schools as do U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Like other children, undocumented students are obliged under state law to attend school until they reach a mandated age.

State Legal Protections

Washington state law, specifically RCW 28A.320.145, requires that public schools: 

1. Protect student privacy 

2. Not collect or record information about citizenship/immigration status 

3. Ensure equal educational access regardless of immigration status 

• RCW 10.02.045 restricts state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration laws unless specifically required by federal or state law.
• RCW 10.93.160 prohibits school resource officers from inquiring about or sharing immigration status for civil enforcement purposes.
• RCW 28A.320.145 ensures schools protect student privacy, refrain from collecting immigration-related information, and provide equal educational access.

BISD Committment to Action

The Bainbridge Island School District is dedicated to protecting the privacy and rights of all students. We will continue working within the legal framework to ensure our schools remain safe spaces for every child to learn and thrive. 

To comply with state laws and safeguard student rights, Bainbridge Island School District will:

• Protect the privacy and rights of all students.
• Educate staff with guidance on responding to potential enforcement actions.
• Establish procedures for potential visits from federal immigration officers.
• Require immigration enforcement officers present a judicial warrant (signed by a judge), consult with district legal counsel and notify families of their rights.

Policies & Procedures

Policy 4300: Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools

Policy 4310: District Relationships with Law Enforcement and Other Government Agencies

Policy 4311 & Procedure 4311P: School Visitation

Policy 3266 & Procedure 3226P: Interviews and Interrogations of Students on School Premises

Resources

State of Washington Executive Order: Protecting Immigrant Families 

OPSI: Immigrant Students’ Rights to Attend Public Schools (translated versions available)

PSESD: Supporting our Immigrant, Refugee, and Undocumented Students & Families

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) Information