The Rapid City Area Schools Board of Education on Tuesday approved a set of policy changes related to discrimination definitions and student access to school facilities.
One policy will require students to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas that correspond with their sex assigned at birth. The move aligns with a state law signed in March by South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden.
The board also amended its harassment and discrimination policies by removing sexual orientation as a protected category. These updates passed with a 3–1 vote.
Board member Michael Birkeland opposed the measures, expressing concern about the exclusion of sexual orientation from the list of protections.
Birkeland is expected to step down from the board next month, with newly elected member Angela Bradsky Rafferty set to take his place.
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