Resident urges West Irondequoit to enforce Title IX protections, says athletes escape consequences

Charles Traub, a community member, told the West Irondequoit Board of Education at its March 20 meeting that the district is failing to implement federal Title IX protections and does not have clear consequences for student-athlete misconduct.

Traub said the district’s athletic code of conduct “used to be available on your website” but that it was “vague when it came to punishment, sexual assault, bullying, harassment and other crimes.” He said victims are left without protections and perpetrators are sometimes still featured as athletes despite arrests or probation. “You can start by fully implementing Title IX provisions and creating a clear, transparent, and progressive athletic code of conduct,” Traub said.

Why it matters: Title IX requires schools that receive federal funds to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and assault and to take steps to protect victims and prevent retaliation. Community commenters framed the issue as one of student safety and policy clarity rather than a single incident.

What the board record shows: The public comment period in the March 20 meeting contained the Traub statement and one additional brief comment. The board did not take immediate formal action during that session; public comment was followed by the agenda items. No district response or formal investigation announcement was recorded on the transcript that night.

Missing details and district limits: Traub's remarks described a pattern of alleged inaction but did not identify specific cases, dates, or decisions by named administrators. The transcript does not record any district staff or board member offering details of ongoing Title IX investigations or specific revisions to the athletic code of conduct during the meeting. The number of alleged incidents, identities of students involved, and any prior disciplinary outcomes were not specified.

Next steps noted in meeting context: The board’s meeting proceeded to routine agenda items (minutes, financial reports, personnel approvals). The transcript does not show a formal board motion or referral at the March 20 meeting in direct response to the public comment. Community members who raised systemic concerns would likely need to follow up in writing or request an agenda item for a future meeting for the board or administration to respond formally.

Ending note: The March 20 statement brought Title IX and athletic discipline into the public record for the district; the transcript does not record any immediate changes or formal actions resulting from the comment.