Board begins first reading to revert Title IX policy language after court ruling

The board opened a first reading of multiple policy changes required by a recent federal court decision, directing administrators to revise district policies that reference Title IX.

Administration explained the change results from litigation that found the 2024 U.S. Department of Education Title IX regulations constitutionally problematic, requiring districts to revert to earlier 2020 guidance. The superintendent summarized the legal difference using the regulatory phrase that governs what conduct triggers Title IX obligations: under the 2020 guidance conduct must be “severe and pervasive and objectively offensive”; the 2024 guidance had replaced the conjunction with “or,” broadening the standard. Because a court has invalidated the 2024 approach, the district will return to the narrower 2020 language.

The policy changes are not limited to a single document: administrators said they must update every board policy that mentions Title IX, including policies on nondiscrimination, harassment, teen dating violence, and staff training. The district will restore discrete roles previously required under the 2020 guidance—specifically, a designated Title IX coordinator separate from a general nondiscrimination or grievance officer—so that staff and families have clear points of contact for Title IX complaints.

Administrators emphasized this was a first reading and no policy was adopted at the meeting. They also noted that the practical effect will likely be fewer matters formally processed under Title IX because the legal standard for a Title IX finding is narrower; however, other harassment, bullying or discipline policies remain available to address behavior not covered by Title IX.

Next steps: the administration will prepare revised policy language across the affected policy set for a future board reading and adoption consistent with board policy procedures.