In a recent government meeting, significant updates to Policy 35 3205, which addresses sex discrimination and sex-based harassment in schools, were discussed. The revisions come as part of a civil rights audit mandated by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), with a deadline for compliance set for December 1.

Dr. Voniger highlighted that the policy has undergone extensive changes, evolving from a separate student and staff policy to a unified framework. The updated policy now includes clearer definitions and addresses modern issues such as quid pro quo harassment, which has been increasingly linked to social media threats among students. This form of harassment involves coercive tactics where individuals may be pressured to comply with demands under the threat of damaging social media exposure.

The revised policy broadens the scope of harassment to include interactions not only from adults to students but also from students to adults, reflecting a shift in legal standards. Additionally, terminology has been updated, replacing \"sexual harassment\" with \"sex-based harassment\" and \"sexual discrimination\" with \"sex discrimination,\" aiming for greater clarity and relevance.

The meeting also touched on the importance of staff training and student awareness regarding these policies. It was noted that training for all district employees is already in place, and there are ongoing efforts to ensure that students are informed about their rights and the consequences of engaging in harassment.

Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of communication regarding these policies to students, with suggestions for enhanced outreach and education. The administrative team is committed to ensuring that students understand the implications of these policies, particularly in light of recent changes in laws regarding minors and explicit content.

As the district prepares for the second reading of the policy, the emphasis remains on fostering a safe and respectful educational environment, with ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement to address any serious incidents that may arise.