Concerns surrounding new Title IX regulations and COVID-19 safety measures dominated a recent school board meeting, highlighting significant community anxieties as the new school year approaches.

A speaker raised alarms about the implications of the revised Title IX regulations, which they argue compromise the safety and privacy of students. The regulations allow biological males into female locker rooms and vice versa, potentially eliminating safe spaces for girls and boys during school activities, including overnight trips. The speaker emphasized that many families are unaware of these changes, expressing shock and anger upon learning about them. They warned that implementing these regulations could lead to legal repercussions for the school district, as several states have already filed lawsuits against the Department of Education, claiming it has overstepped its authority and violated the First Amendment by compelling speech regarding gender identity.

In a separate discussion, another community member, Aria Williams, addressed the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, noting that North Carolina is currently experiencing a high transmission rate. Williams criticized the school board for rolling back COVID safety measures, arguing that data-driven decisions should guide policies to protect students and staff. She referenced a recent study suggesting that stricter masking requirements could have saved over 400,000 lives, advocating for the adoption of remote learning, CO2 monitoring, and improved health coverage for staff as essential measures to ensure safety in schools.

The meeting underscored the tension between regulatory changes and public health concerns, with community members urging the board to prioritize student safety and transparency in decision-making as the school year begins.