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Beverly committee adopts resolution affirming support for LGBTQIA+ students, assigns Title IX contact role
Summary
The Beverly School Committee on Feb. 26 approved an amended resolution reaffirming protections and supports for transgender, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ students, adding action language including designation of the Title IX coordinator as a primary contact and commitments to curriculum review and staff training.
The Beverly School Committee voted on Feb. 26 to adopt an amended resolution reaffirming the district's commitment to protecting and supporting transgender, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ students.
The resolution includes a preamble that restates the district's non-discrimination commitments and adds several specific action steps: naming the Title IX coordinator as a primary contact for families on LGBTQIA+ issues; asking the district to continue implementing best practices and training for staff on cultural competency related to LGBTQIA+ topics; encouraging inclusive curriculum; and declaring the district a safe space free from discrimination and bullying.
Why it matters: the resolution formalizes the district's stated non-discrimination principles and asks staff and incoming leadership to prioritize implementation and community dialogue; committee members also discussed the importance of continuing conversations with students and families who have direct lived experience.
Key additions in the amended resolution
- The preamble reaffirms that "hate has no home in our schools" and reiterates the district's existing nondiscrimination commitments. - The resolution specifies that the district's Title IX coordinator will serve as a primary contact for families regarding LGBTQIA+ issues to ensure "clear, open and transparent communication." (The resolution text assigns the operational role; it does not alter statutory Title IX responsibilities.) - The district commits to offering or expanding professional development on LGBTQIA+ cultural competence and anti-bullying strategies. - The resolution asks the next superintendent (the district's incoming chief executive) to make actionable implementation and continued community engagement for this work a priority in the 2025'—26 year.
Debate and comments
Committee members acknowledged strong community interest in the topic. Several members urged that the district's work remain broad and inclusive of other students who face marginalization; one member asked that the committee be careful not to create a perception of a hierarchy of needs and stressed the district's responsibility to serve students experiencing housing instability, immigration-related fear and disabilities as well as LGBTQIA+ students.
Motion and vote
Karen Robinson moved to approve the amended resolution; a second was recorded and the committee approved the resolution by recorded vote (7-0).
Next steps
The resolution directs district leaders to confirm a Title IX contact pathway and to continue to develop training and curriculum supports. Committee members asked staff to continue an ongoing dialogue with students, families and staff who have direct lived experience so that measures are responsive to those affected.
