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Madison board re-adopts Title IX policy language; one member abstains and one votes no
Summary
The MMSD Board approved a revision to its harassment/Title IX policy, reverting parts of the policy to an earlier (pre-2020) formulation. One board member abstained and one voted against the motion amid concerns about federal changes and the timing of the revision.
The Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education on May 19 approved a revision to its harassment/Title IX policy (policy 8012a), reverting aspects of the policy to language used prior to 2020, citing compliance with a recent federal directive.
Why it matters: The policy addresses discrimination and harassment protections in schools; board members debated timing and whether federal-level changes that are currently in litigation warranted an immediate update of local policy.
Board member Muldrow said she would abstain on the vote because “the timing in which this is being brought back to us and the dear colleague letter we received from the federal government feels out of alignment with the way we've engaged in the process of revising Title IX previously.” Muldrow added she supported protections for students on the basis of gender identity and expression but objected to the timing and process.
Administration and legal counsel told the board the changes respond to a federal order and are effectively compliance-driven. A district representative said the revision “essentially reverted back to what it was prior to when this change was made back in 2020” and that the district’s protections remained inclusive. Board member Mosner-Feltham emphasized the district’s existing language “prohibiting discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender…gender identity” and said the revised policy remains protective.
Decision: The motion to approve Policy 8012a (Harassment/Title IX) was carried by the board. The meeting record shows the policy passed with the board recording five affirmative votes, one nay and one abstention.
Context: Board members who opposed or abstained cited either the timing of the federal guidance or the desire for more engagement with stakeholders before adopting the language. Supporters said the revision returned the policy to a prior district approach that continued to protect students.
Ending: The policy revision takes effect immediately per the motion and will be published in board documents; several board members asked for continued monitoring as federal litigation and guidance evolve.
