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Somerset board tables Title IX policy revision after hours of polarized public comment
Summary
Trustees voted to remove policy 22‑64 from tonight’s agenda amid legal uncertainty and heated public comment; speakers across the room warned either of losing federal funding or of harms to girls’ safety and local control.
The Somerset School Board voted to strike policy 22‑64 from tonight’s agenda after a board member moved to remove the item pending developments in ongoing litigation and a recent injunction.
The motion to remove the Title IX revision was made by a board member who cited a recent injunction and the prospect of higher‑court decisions. That member told colleagues, “I simply mean scribe it off the agenda. We’re not discussing it at this time,” and argued the board could revisit the policy if legal guidance changes.
Dozens of residents addressed the board in a nearly three‑hour public‑comment block, offering sharply different views. Katie Griffey, a Somerset resident, said the board “has made it unsafe for any parent or person that believes in inclusion to have a voice,” and urged trustees to use “real research and history” to guide policy. Other speakers focused on legal risks and funding: one commenter warned that failure to adopt compliant policies might jeopardize federal education dollars.
Opponents of the revisions argued the changes would harm girls’ sports, privacy and local control. Lee Parks said, “Title IX is something that I am glad you are tabling for now to get more information,” adding that the U.S. Supreme Court will be the final arbiter of federal law.
Board members debated the timing and legal exposure. One trustee pointed to a counsel warning at the July 8 meeting about potential lawsuits if the district were not in compliance with federal rules. Another trustee argued that with a recent injunction in place the board should wait for further clarity.
On the roll call to remove the item from tonight’s agenda, the board recorded five votes in favor and two opposed; the motion carried. The board’s action removes policy 22‑64 from consideration for the rest of the meeting and leaves further revision or adoption for a future date.
The meeting record shows the board will continue to monitor legal developments and reconvene the item when counsel and the court process make the district’s obligations clearer.
