The policy committee presented proposed first-read changes Sept. 8 that would remove or revise references to diversity, equity and inclusion across several district policies, prompting board discussion and at least one request to return specific language to the policy committee.
General counsel Gordon Palmer said the edits responded to federal guidance (a Department of Education Office for Civil Rights “Dear Colleague” letter) and to counsel and policy-service advice; changes presented on first read included updates to policies on school assignment and program choice, discipline, parent organizations and recruitment language. Palmer noted the committee intentionally kept edits minimal and said some corrections were minor technical updates.
Board members raised substantive concerns. Director Shannon Lancaster said she was “disappointed about the diversity stuff” and asked for more explanation; another board member asked for clarity on specific timelines in the school-assignment policy (deadlines for parent appeals), requesting that the policy committee revisit timelines so parent deadlines are balanced with district response times. Director Pam Escobar asked the board to place the proposed DEI-related changes on action to allow further deliberation.
Why it matters: these policy edits touch on how the district describes its commitments and how staff implement assignment, discipline and recruitment practices. The committee framed the edits as narrowly tailored changes to remain in compliance with current federal guidance while preserving core procedures.
What’s next: the board discussed sending the policies back to the policy committee for revision on a few points; the item was placed for action on next week's agenda so board members and the public can review and comment further.