Cabarrus board advances five policies for first reading after attorney review tied to federal guidance

The Cabarrus County Board of Education on Sept. 15 advanced five district policies for a first reading after district attorneys recommended removing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) language following federal guidance. Board members voted on the first read 6-1.

Dr. Sandy Ward, a district presenter, told the board the policies "are policies related to removal of DEI language and policies, and this came as a recommendation from our attorneys based on the dear colleague letter sent out by the federal government." The board's policy committee reviewed and accepted the recommendations before the meeting.

The first reading means the policies will be posted for public review and return to the board for a second reading and possible adoption next month. Board Chair Rob Walter said the changes are not being adopted tonight and that public comment will be possible before final action.

Board members discussed follow-up work. Vice Chair Greg Mills asked that separate changes he had requested — to create parity between parent-notification deadlines and district return-notice requirements — not be lost in the larger packet and said the policy committee should review that issue. Board member Shannon Lancaster moved to place the policies on first read; the motion received a second and passed with a 6-1 tally.

The board's action was procedural: the board approved a first reading (not final adoption) of the five policies and directed further review through the normal policy committee and second-reading process. No final policy text was adopted at the meeting.

The board will consider the policies again at the next business meeting after the public has an opportunity to review the proposed revisions.