Conservative leaders, including Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, have denounced the directive as an example of federal overreach that schools should ignore.

OPS board member Katie Underwood said there had been a lack of leadership from the state on the issue, calling Ricketts’ comments in particular “unhelpful and irresponsible.”

Comprehensive anti-discrimination policies are “really the bedrock of public schools,” she said. “We accept everyone who comes in our doors, and it’s our job to make it a welcome and inclusive environment.”

Board member Lacey Merica said the district should survey students and staff to see how current policies and practices can be strengthened.

Board president Lou Ann Goding said she had concerns about student privacy and mentioned a school in Minnesota that created gender-neutral and gender-specific bathrooms.

Superintendent Mark Evans said the district takes seriously its responsibility to keep all students safe.

Bellevue Public Schools is one of the few local districts with a specific policy to guide school staff on issues such as locker rooms, bathrooms and pronouns for transgender students.