Committee rescinds updated Title IX grievance policy after federal rules struck down by courts

The South Kingstown School Committee voted to rescind a recently adopted Title IX grievance policy based on new federal regulations that the district’s counsel said federal courts have found unconstitutional.

School counsel explained to the committee that the Biden administration’s updated Title IX regulations — which had taken effect for incidents beginning Aug. 1 of the applicable year — were recently challenged in federal courts and the courts found the new regulations unconstitutional. Counsel said the effect is to remove the newer policy’s authority and leave the previously existing policy in force for handling complaints.

Committee members moved, seconded and voted in favor of rescinding the new policy (listed in committee materials as policy 12‑62a). The transcript records the motion, a vocal “Aye” from members and the chair stating, “That motion passes.” The meeting record does not include a detailed roll‑call vote in the transcript.

Why it matters: Title IX grievance procedures govern how schools handle allegations of sex‑based harassment and discrimination. The change reverts the district to its prior procedures pending any new or revised federal guidance or rulemaking.

Next steps: The district will continue to rely on the prior policy language while monitoring federal developments. Counsel said the older policy remains in full effect to handle incidents and complaints until and unless a valid replacement is adopted in compliance with court rulings.

Ending: The committee approved rescinding the newer policy and confirmed the prior Title IX grievance process remains the operative policy for dealing with complaints.