Mukilteo board reviews revised nondiscrimination and gender-inclusive policies to meet statewide civil rights audit

Mukilteo School District staff presented revisions to district policies 32.10 (nondiscrimination) and 32.11 (gender-inclusive schools) at the June 10 meeting to comply with requirements from the statewide civil rights audit conducted by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The staff presenter told the Mukilteo School District Board of Directors that the changes are primarily language updates and required additions, not a wholesale rewrite. Key updates include clearer definitions, required model-student-handbook language, named compliance officers with contact information and procedures for reporting discrimination or harassment. "The biggest requirement is that the definition is at the top and is clear, and we were missing some wording in our original definition," the presenter said.

The presentation noted OSPI guidance required the district to include model student handbook language, specific nondiscrimination verbiage, and training requirements for compliance officers. The revisions also add cross-references to related district policies and expand the complaint procedure and retaliation protections.

A board member asked whether the wording was a state requirement; the presenter confirmed the updates respond to the statewide civil rights audit and state guidance. The board did not take a final vote on the policies that night; the policies were discussed as part of the agenda and may return to the board for formal adoption in a later meeting.

District leaders said the updates will ensure the district's policies align with state requirements and that compliance officers are identified and trained.