The School Committee approved the 2025–26 Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook at its Aug. 28 meeting after making two explicit amendments: restoring language that lists pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions among protected categories and adding a sentence prohibiting audio or video recording of others in school spaces without consent.

Attorney William McEvoy (counsel) advised the committee about recent federal regulatory changes affecting Title IX procedures and how those changes intersect with state law. He explained that the district must now revert to the 2020 Title IX regulations and accompanying grievance procedure after a U.S. district court in the Eastern District of Kentucky vacated 2024 changes and U.S. Department of Education guidance. He also said standard civil-rights grievance procedures remain appropriate for investigations of harassment or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and that Massachusetts law continues to prohibit discrimination on those bases.

The committee debated whether to keep explicit pregnancy and pregnancy-related language in the handbook. A motion to retain those phrases in the notice of nondiscrimination passed unanimously. Committee members also requested the addition of a clause making audio or video recording of people in school areas without consent a prohibited act; that motion passed unanimously. Following those changes the committee voted 4–1 to adopt the handbook, with the chair recording the lone “no” vote.

During the discussion the district counsel also warned the committee about a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision (referenced during the meeting) that affects parents’ rights to opt students out of curriculum content that conflicts with sincerely held religious beliefs; counsel advised districts to prepare to provide required notices and to track PPRA (student survey) requirements. Counsel and district administrators emphasized the handbook remains aligned with Massachusetts law, including guidance on facilities access and athletic participation for transgender students, and noted the U.S. Department of Education may question districts that adopt policies contrary to federal directives.

The handbook was approved with the two changes and will be posted online and provided in alternative formats on request.