Woburn committee declines some proposed nondiscrimination updates, adopts targeted protections and tables sexual-harassment policy
Summary
After legal and procedural debate, the School Committee voted to decline certain proposed updates to AC/ACR nondiscrimination language, approved ACA protections by voice vote, and tabled an ACAB sexual-harassment policy pending legal review to avoid conflicts with Title IX grievance procedures.
The Woburn School Committee debated multiple proposed updates to nondiscrimination and harassment policies on Dec. 17, ultimately deciding to decline some recommended AC/ACR language, adopt ACA protections by voice vote, and table the ACAB sexual-harassment policy for further review with the district attorney or legal counsel.
Public commenter Bill Callahan had urged the committee to "consider that term in the policy as it relates to Title IX," raising the procedural and legal sensitivity of the language. During committee deliberations, members and administrators referenced legal advice from the district attorney's office about overlaps with existing law and district procedure.
Mister Austin argued in favor of adopting stronger protections now, saying, "Let's do something now," and urging proactive protections for students and staff. Miss Cormier countered that the district's current AC policy already enumerates protected classes and that some proposed changes were redundant with legal requirements and attorney guidance. Miss Cormier read the district's existing AC language aloud to illustrate coverage: "Woburn Public Schools does not tolerate discrimination against students, parents, employees, or the general public on basis of race, color, religion, national origin, [etc.]" (excerpt).
The committee voted 4–2 to decline adoption of one set of proposed AC/ACR updates after discussion with counsel and policy advisors. The ACA nondiscrimination proposal (focused on enumerated protected classes and explicit nonretaliation language) was adopted by voice vote; the hearing record shows ayes and no recorded roll call. The ACAB sexual-harassment policy was withdrawn by its mover and formally tabled so staff can consult with the district attorney and ensure no conflict with the district's Title IX grievance procedures and other existing protocols.
Committee members said the tabling step aims to avoid conflicting procedures and to ensure consistent training and communication; staff noted the district already posts Title IX grievance procedures and training materials on its website. The policy items will return to the committee after legal review.
