Policy committee advances updated nondiscrimination and harassment policies to full board

The Waunakee Community School District Policy Committee voted on March 31 to advance three related policies — student nondiscrimination and equal education policy 4.11, the student discrimination complaint-procedure rule, and the student harassment based on legally protected status rule (4.11.1) — to the full school board for finalization at the April meeting.

A presenter representing the administration summarized the process: the DEI committee approved the package on Feb. 26, 2025 (3-0), the administration incorporated feedback from legal counsel, and the district has worked to embed anti-hate protections into the broader harassment policy rather than leaving them as a standalone policy. The presenter said the changes respond to listening sessions held in January 2024 where students and families reported ongoing harassment and discrimination targeting marginalized groups.

The administration described five reasons for advancing the policies: ensuring protections for marginalized students, addressing committee concerns by integrating protections into the harassment policy, creating clearer and enforceable definitions and accountability measures, supporting student well-being and academic success, and demonstrating the district’s legal and ethical commitment to equity. The presenter summarized: “All of our students deserve a school environment where they feel safe, valued, and respected every day.”

The committee discussed scope and implementation. Members asked how curriculum materials that contain slurs would be handled; the administration said it moved guidance on handling classroom use of primary-source materials into policy. The administration said the policies also call for prevention education and recurring refresher training for staff and for direct instruction with students; one example cited was a 20-minute classroom session observed at a middle school that used role-playing and speak-up strategies.

A motion to accept the 4.11 policy, the related rule and 4.11.1 was made and seconded; the committee chair called the question and members responded “Aye,” advancing the items to the full board for final approval and implementation at the April board meeting.

Tiffany Loken, the district’s people services director, and Tim Shell, the secondary curriculum director, were present to answer questions during the discussion.