Local Board Member Proposes Withdrawal from OCR Agreement Following Executive Order

The Delaware Valley School District held a work session on March 14, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the implications of a recent executive order from the president regarding Title IX and the district's existing Office for Civil Rights (OCR) agreement.

One of the primary topics was the call from a board member to disregard the OCR agreement established in 2016, which he described as overly restrictive. He argued that the agreement contradicts the president's executive order and asserted that the Constitution protects all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The board member expressed confidence that the district would continue to treat all students with respect and dignity, regardless of their backgrounds.

He further indicated that he had drafted a letter to the Department of Education requesting the district's release from the OCR agreement, suggesting that the current administration might support this request. The discussion highlighted a divide in opinions regarding gender identity and bathroom access, with the board member expressing strong views against allowing transgender individuals to use facilities that align with their gender identity.

Another participant, Carrie Williams, raised concerns about the implications of withdrawing from the OCR agreement, questioning whether it would allow boys to access girls' bathrooms or participate in girls' sports teams. This exchange underscored the ongoing debate within the district about how to balance student rights with community values.

The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution, but it set the stage for further discussions on how the district will navigate these complex issues in light of changing federal policies and community perspectives. The board's next steps remain to be seen as they consider the implications of the executive order and the OCR agreement on their policies.