Palm Beach school board adopts emergency policy revisions removing DEI language after heated debate

The School Board of Palm Beach County on Wednesday adopted a package of emergency policy changes that remove or substantially revise language tied to diversity, equity and inclusion and related programs, prompting public comment and a lengthy debate among trustees.

The board voted, generally by 6–1 margins, to adopt emergency revisions to multiple policies and to repeal older diversity-focused policies, with Board Member Matthew Ferguson repeatedly registering the lone dissent. Superintendent Michael Burke told the board the emergency step was driven by legal risk tied to federal civil-rights interpretations following recent court rulings and the need to protect district funding.

The package included revisions to policy 1.04 (unitary school district), 1.091 (audit committee), 3.05 (equal employment opportunity), 5.015 (student reassignment), 5.016 (choice schools and programs), 5.6 (eligibility for K–12 extracurriculars), 7.081 (non‑discrimination statement), repeal of 6.142 and 6.143, and adoption of a new 6.1434 (Small Business Enterprise…