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Hartland board rescinds DEI 'opt-in' policy, keeps opt-out process and pledges parental notice
Summary
The board voted to rescind a newly adopted opt-in policy for racial harassment/DEI programming and agreed that parents will retain an opt-out route; board and public members debated distribution methods and federal guidance.
The Hartland Consolidated Schools Board of Education voted to rescind an opt-in policy for DEI/CRT/SEL training and programming but left intact the district's existing opt-out procedures.
Motion: Board Member Mrs. Coleman moved, supported by Mrs. Shaw, to rescind the opt-in policy for racial harassment training, programming and surveys (the policy packet item labeled 'DEI' in the board materials). Several board members and district staff confirmed that rescinding the opt-in policy does not remove the district's opt-out process; parents who do not want their child to participate will still be able to opt out.
Public and board discussion centered on two questions: how the district will notify parents and whether the rescission complies with or conflicts with recent federal guidance. Board members asked staff to provide notice and an acknowledgement method for parents; options under consideration included electronic notice and a hard-copy acknowledgment included with student registration. Superintendent Hughes said staff will provide materials to parents in multiple formats and post details to the district website.
During public comment, multiple residents raised concerns both for and against DEI programs. One speaker urged the board to ensure girls'safety in athletics and privacy in bathrooms; others asked for moral instruction in schools. A parent who addressed the board encouraged changing an opt-in mechanism to opt-out, saying opt-out better ensures parents who disapprove can register their choice.
Why it matters: The rescission responds to local concern about DEI programming and to calls for clearer parental notification. District leaders emphasized they will publish program content and an opt-out form, and suggested adding an opt-out acknowledgement to student registration.
What happens next: District staff will prepare parent-facing materials describing planned programming, a clear opt-out procedure, and recommended channels for notification (email and paper). The board asked administration to post the procedure publicly and to consider placing opt-out acknowledgements within student registration for the coming school year.
Ending: The district will continue to develop program materials and notification procedures; parents who want to opt out retain a clear route to do so.
