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Linn‑Mar board advances first reading to rescind transgender policy after state law change; directors say protections remain
Summary
The Linn‑Mar Community School District board approved a first reading to rescind Policy 504.13, which addressed transgender and gender‑nonconforming students, citing recent state law changes and shifting federal Title IX guidance. Board members stressed that nondiscrimination and anti‑bullying protections remain in place.
The Linn‑Mar Community School District Board of Directors voted unanimously during its March 31 meeting to approve the first reading of a recommendation to rescind Policy 504.13, “Transgender and Students Nonconforming to Gender Role Stereotypes.”
Board members say the change reflects recent changes in state law and evolving federal guidance on Title IX and does not remove protections for students.
Why it matters: Policy 504.13 specifically referenced state legal provisions that, board members said, no longer exist in the same form after a law signed earlier this year. Board members and the policy committee recommended rescinding the standalone policy and relying on broader nondiscrimination and anti‑bullying language already in district policy 103.1 to protect students.
At the meeting, parent Crystal Callahan urged the board to consider the effect rescinding the policy might have on transgender students. “He deserves the same rights and protections as every other child in the school,” Callahan said of her son, who she said is transgender. She expressed concern that removing the policy could expose students “to discrimination and abuse from students or staff.”
Policy committee chair Director Laura (speaking during the policy committee report) said the committee recommended rescission because the specific legal references in Policy 504.13 no longer align with current state law. She added that protections in policy 103.1 — the district’s nondiscrimination and anti‑bullying policy — continue to apply to all students. “Those protections are not going away,” Laura said during committee remarks.
Board action: Director Melissa moved to approve the first reading to rescind Policy 504.13; Director Barry seconded. The board chair called for a voice vote; all directors present voted in favor and the motion carried.
What's next: Rescinding a policy requires the board to complete the formal adoption process; this vote represented the board’s first reading. The district will return the item to the board for a subsequent reading and final action consistent with board policy procedures.
The board and staff did not provide a timeline for final adoption at the March 31 meeting. Board members said they will continue to rely on established nondiscrimination and anti‑bullying policies while the rescission proceeds through the board’s policy process.
