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Stow-Munroe Falls superintendent suspends DEI committee, board votes to suspend two policies amid federal guidance
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Gould suspended the district DEI committee and an administrative guideline after federal guidance on diversity, equity and inclusion; the board amended bylaws and voted to suspend two policies (2111 and 2260.07) while legal and court actions proceed.
Stow-Munroe Falls City School District Superintendent Dr. Gould announced on Feb. 24 that she had suspended the district's DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) committee and Administrative Guideline 2411 pending legal clarity after federal guidance and an executive order on DEI, and she recommended the board place two district policies into inactive status until further notice.
The board amended bylaw 0131 to permit an extended suspension period and then voted to suspend Policy 2111 (Parent and Family Engagement) and Policy 2260.07 (Anti-Racism) until further board action. The board took those votes at the meeting after Dr. Gould outlined the district's obligation to avoid jeopardizing federal funding, and after discussion of related federal grant programs that support students.
Dr. Gould told the board the district is conducting a policy and program review to “maintain compliance with all applicable laws and regulations” following the Feb. 14 federal guidance. She listed the federal programs that could be affected, including Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV and IDEA, and said the review is being done in consultation with legal counsel. The superintendent said the district serves roughly 1,468–4,689 (verbatim in transcript was garbled) total students and that 1,430 students receive special-education services, “about 30.5%” of enrollment as reported to the board.
Board members debated the legal and practical implications. Board member Carrie Merlitti (board member) said she supported suspending the two policies while awaiting legal advice and said she would not support immediate repeal. Board member Sheehan raised legal precedent and argued federal funding is discretionary. Other board members emphasized concern for student safety and the range of services funded by federal programs.
After procedural votes to add the superintendent’s recommendation to the agenda and to amend bylaw 0131 by a recorded roll call, the board voted unanimously (5–0) to suspend the two policies. The board and superintendent said the suspension is temporary and that policies addressing harassment, intimidation and anti-discrimination remain in force. Dr. Gould and others said they will revisit reinstatement or amendment after additional guidance, litigation outcomes, or legislative action.
The action does not repeal the policies; it places them in an inactive status pending further action. The superintendent described the suspension as a measure intended to protect federal funding that supports services used by students districtwide, and she said the district will continue to provide services covered by other nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policies that are not on suspension.
Community members addressed the board during public comment. Speakers included parents, alumni and nonprofit leaders who urged the board to protect queer students, to preserve services funded by federal grants, and to avoid harming students who rely on accommodations or Title-supported programs. Several speakers said suspension rather than repeal was the prudent middle path while legal questions remain.
The board said it will continue to consult with legal counsel and bond counsel as appropriate and will bring recommendations back to the board when more clarity is available. The superintendent said the district has already suspended the DEI committee and related administrative work and will not implement the specific DEI committee activities while the suspension is in effect.
