Berwick Area School Board

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After passionate pleas and statements from advocates of the LGBTQ+ community, Berwick school directors approved policies that detail when staff can refer to students by their preferred names and pronouns, and what bathrooms or locker rooms students can use.

Pennsylvania health insurers are proposing higher premiums for coverage in 2026. That means people who buy plans through Pennie – the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace — could end up paying more each month to stay insured.

The name and bathroom policies are the latest attack on students within the LGBTQ+ community, advocates say. In October 2024, the board banned employees from displaying most flags on district property, including the Pride flag.