Board pauses policy 411.4 after federal vacatur of 2024 Title IX regulations; reverts to 2020 rules for now

The Appleton Area School District board voted Monday to pause Policy 411.4, which had been drafted to reflect the Department of Education’s 2024 Title IX regulations, and to rely on existing nondiscrimination policies and the 2020 Title IX regulatory framework until further notice.

Assistant Superintendent Greg Hernandez told the board the district received legal advice after the U.S. Department of Education said the 2024 rules were not in effect following a federal court decision. “We were advised to pause 411.4 until further notice,” Hernandez said.

The nut graf: legal counsel recommended the pause after a federal court vacated the 2024 Title IX regulations. The board amended its policy language to state that the 2020 Title IX regulations are in effect “until further notice” and that the district will follow existing policy 411.1 and 411.2 and state law to protect students and staff.

The board discussed the implications. Board member Nick Ross, who identified himself as nonbinary and as someone who works with LGBTQ organizations, urged the board to be clear publicly that pausing the 411.4 policy did not remove protections for transgender and gender‑diverse students and that existing state law and court precedent continue to provide protections. Ross noted federal guidance is in flux but stressed local protections remain in place.

Hernandez and other staff said the district will continue to apply nondiscrimination protections under policy 411.1 and 411.2 and relevant state statutes while awaiting further federal guidance. The board approved the amendment by roll call.

Ending: District staff said they will continue to monitor federal and state developments and will return with policy updates if and when regulatory guidance changes.