Students, parents press Pennridge board on GSA, Title IX complaints and graduation access for exchange student

Students and parents used the public‑comment period at the May 4 Pennridge School District meeting to press the board for concrete action on alleged discrimination and to ask the administration to clarify graduation‑participation rules for exchange students.

Members of the high‑school Gay‑Straight Alliance described the group’s activities and asked for continued support. A parent urged the board to do more than offer verbal support after the district received OCR and Title IX complaints and a 96‑page submission alleging a hostile environment; she asked the board to hire a DEI professional with subject‑matter expertise rather than assign the work to staff without DEI credentials.

Separately, parents of a Rotary exchange student said their daughter was told she would not be permitted to participate in the district graduation ceremony despite attending Penridge all year and earning high grades. They asked the administration to explain the rule that prevents participation or to allow the student to walk with her classmates; the board did not make an immediate change but acknowledged receiving the concern and advised the family to follow the district’s communication process.

The board took no immediate policy vote tonight; several trustees expressed willingness to continue dialogue with clubs and community members and to consider training and policy review. Public speakers demanded tangible next steps, including policy review, staff training on micro‑bias and a dedicated DEI hire.