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Show Low board adopts Title IX policy update; public commenter urges protections for LGBTQ and pregnant students
Summary
The board approved a model policy update reverting to 2020 Title IX regulations guidance; a public speaker criticized the change and urged the district to retain specific protections for pregnant and transgender students.
The Show Low School District Governing Board approved a model policy update on Title IX at its April meeting, reverting the district’s interpretation to the May 2020 federal Title IX regulations after recent court and federal guidance changes.
School staff presented the update and described it as a response to a January 2025 Dear Colleague letter from the U.S. Department of Education and a court decision that vacated the 2024 regulations. The presentation summarized obligations under federal law to investigate claims of sex‑based discrimination and harassment and explained the role of a Title IX coordinator.
During the board’s public‑comment period, Shay Wood Sturm of Show Low addressed the board on the Title IX changes. “I want you to recognize that that was a rule that was put into place to protect kids,” Sturm said, urging the board not to “water down” protections for pregnant, queer and transgender students and asserting that the board’s update removes rights those groups had under the 2024 rule set.
The board moved and voted to approve the model policy program update for the 2024–25 cycle (update number 3). The district posted supplemental materials and a three‑page FAQ, and board members noted all governing policies are available to the public on the district website.
The update places the district’s procedures in alignment with the Department of Education guidance cited by staff. Board members who asked questions were directed to the district office and legal counsel for more detailed timelines and investigation procedures.
The approved policy requires designated Title IX coordination, specified timelines for processing complaints and a reaffirmation of the district’s duty to investigate allegations of sex‑based discrimination or harassment.
