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Board discusses conflicting federal and state guidance on Title VI attestation; public commenter warns of lawsuits
Summary
Board members raised concerns about differing language in U.S. Department of Education and Pennsylvania Department of Education guidance on Title VI; a public commenter urged the board to protect transgender students and warned that failing to do so could lead to lawsuits and reputational harm.
Board members discussed a recent packet of correspondence and attestations relating to Title VI compliance and federal administrative policy, saying state and federal guidance appear to differ and that the district has not signed any attestation pending further guidance.
The discussion matters because the district is reviewing whether to sign a certification related to compliance and because federal guidance and state responses could affect federal funding and district obligations.
Board members noted the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) letter describes Title VI more broadly (including gender, race, color, national origin, age or disability in the district summary), while a U.S. Department of Education communication focused on race, color and national origin in its immediate text. Board members asked who would sign any attestation and said the district has not signed anything; staff said the district has taken a cautious approach and is awaiting further guidance from PDE and federal authorities. One board member noted the attestation deadline had been extended to April 24 and said more guidance is expected before that date.
During public comment earlier in the meeting, Alexander Lethabore (introduced himself as a resident) asked the board to protect all students and urged the board to resist policies that single out transgender students. Lethabore warned that discrimination could lead to lawsuits and national media attention and said the district could lose federal funding (he cited a $3,000,000 figure) if rights violations were permitted. The commenter also urged board members who have engaged constructively to continue education and dialogue with the community.
Board members said they expect PDE and other state leaders to continue communicating guidance, and they indicated no attestation would be signed without resolving the apparent federal‑state difference. The board scheduled follow‑up discussion at upcoming meetings; no final action was taken on attestations at the session.
