Legislative Bills

Recognition of LGBTQ Individuals as a Protected Class

Resolved, That National PTA and its constituent associations seek and support legislation that creates a safe, supportive and accepting environment in schools, specifically with training for educators and other school related professionals to support all students, updated health education standards that deal with the issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression; and be it further

Resolved, That National PTA work with the Department of Education to encourage states to incorporate standards regarding age-appropriate, medically accurate and culturally sensitive information on LGBTQ issues into existing health and other appropriate curricula.

UHSSA Handbook

Interps &Guidelines 1.1.4: TRANSGENDER PARTICIPATION This policy addresses eligibility determinations for students who have a gender identity that is different from the gender listed on their official birth certificates. For the protection of competitive balance and the integrity of women’s sports, the UHSAA will review athletic eligibility decisions based on gender assignment of transgender student athletes in accordance with its approved policies and appeals procedures. If a sport is offered for both boys and girls, girls must play on the girls team and boys must play on the boys team. If a school sponsors only a single team in a sport: a. Girls are eligible to play on boys teams. b. Boys are not eligible to play on girls teams.

With the consent of parents or a legal guardian, a student shall be permitted to participate on a gender specific sports team that is consistent with the public gender identity of that student for all other purposes. In making a determination of eligibility, the UHSAA will first refer to the confirmation of the student and his or her local school regarding gender identification. The UHSAA will require that member school districts and schools make a determination of a student’s eligibility to participate in gender specific sports team for a particular season based on the gender identification of that student (1) in current school records, and, (2) daily life activities in the school and community at the time that sports eligibility is determined. A female to male transgender student athlete who is taking a medically prescribed hormone treatment under a physician’s care for the purpose of gender transition is eligible only for participation on a boys team. A male to female transgender student athlete who is not taking hormone treatment related to gender transition may participate only on a boys team. A male to female transgender student athlete who is taking a medically prescribed hormone treatment under a physician’s care for the purpose of gender transition may participate on a boys team at any time, but must complete one year of hormone treatment related to the gender transition before competing on a girls team. In addition to the hormone requirements set out above, decisions regarding eligibility of transgender student athletes should also be based upon the following types of evidence and submitted in writing to the UHSAA: a. A complete list of all the student’s prescribed, non-prescribed or over the counter, treatments or medications; b. Written verification from an appropriate health-care professional (doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist) of the student’s consistent gender identification and expression; and c. Any other pertinent documentation or information which the student or parent(s)/legal guardian(s) appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction believe relevant and appropriate. It will be the responsibility of the member school and the principal to verify they have followed this policy when a school district submits a roster to the UHSAA. The UHSAA will rely on such a verification to acknowledge that the school and the principal have determined that the students listed on a gender specific sports team are eligible for participation because of their gender identity and compliance with the requirements set out herein, and that the school district has determined that the expression of the student’s gender identity is bona fide and not for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage in competitive athletics.

That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, textbooks and supplies

That Utah PTA supports legislative action that institutes or appropriately increases criminal penalties for individuals or organizations promoting substance abuse of any kind (including the sale or distribution of alcohol and/or tobacco to underage persons)

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations engage principals and teacher as partners with the PTA to develop relationships, increase capacity within the schools, and improve communities.

Resolved, That Utah PTA support adequate funding for and encourage consideration of financial incentives to recruit and retain highly qualified and effective educators, including appropriation of adequate funding to upgrade salary schedules;

Resolved, That Utah PTA continue to urge the legislature to make public education revenue allocations and funding effort a high priority; and be it further
Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, textbooks and supplies;

Juvenile Justice - Encourage collaboration between law enforcement, the judicial system, and child welfare agencies.

That Utah PTA oppose vouchers, tax credits and deductions and other similar funding sources for public and private preschool, elementary and secondary school tuition and other education-related expenses for students.

That Utah PTA facilitate in the education of parents, local PTA leaders, school teachers and school boards, community organizations, churches, and the general public about cause and effects of mental illnesses in children and youth

That Utah PTA collaborate with other agencies to compile and widely distribute current
information about mental health resources to parents and organizations which serve children and youth

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations urge the Utah Legislature to bring the government closer to all Utahns by supporting legislation that protects each voter’s right to be heard in an election without partisan politics controlling the election process, 
That Utah PTA and its constituent associates encourage parents to be actively involved in the election process, recognizing this to be in the best interest of
children.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY IN EDUCATIONAL DECISION MAKING

The National PTA supports the concept of shared responsibility in the development of school policies and in curriculum decisions. PTA urges all school boards to cooperate with parents, teachers, students, principals, administrators, business, civic and community leaders, and the general public in this process.

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage the State Legislature to prioritize education funding in the areas of teacher capacity

Resolved, That Utah PTA urge the Utah State Board of Education to adopt policies for early identification of students who are chronically absent; provide targeted prevention, positive support, and outreach strategies and services which include parents and families that address chronic absenteeism; and develop community-wide awareness strategies;

*Resolved, That Utah PTA encourage school districts to educate local schools regarding district policy for Universal Precautions in first aid care and encourage local units to assist in acquiring appropriate supplies and training for all school personnel.