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Board reviews revised Title IX‑aligned policies on student and staff protections in first reading
Summary
Board staff presented four updated policies (including 3205 and 3206) to align Meridian policy with the U.S. Department of Education's 2024 Title IX regulations; the items were presented as first readings and will return after attorney review.
District staff presented a set of policy updates — including policy 3205 (discrimination and harassment of students), policy 3206 (pregnant and parenting students), and staff policies 5011/5012 — as first readings to align the district with the U.S. Department of Education’s April 2024 Title IX regulatory updates.
What was presented: staff said policy 3205 has a revised definition of protected characteristics and an 18‑page grievance procedure that outlines investigation, findings, appeal and training requirements. The presenter noted the 2024 guidance allows smaller districts more flexibility to assign multiple Title IX roles (investigator, decision‑maker, coordinator) to one person when there is no conflict of interest, which is a key change from earlier requirements.
Student and staff protections: policy 3206 (pregnancy and parenting students) was described as an "encouraged" policy that ensures reasonable modifications (extended time, leave for child care, lactation support) and formalizes a process that routes students to the Title IX coordinator and the nurse for accommodations. The staff policies for employees (5011/5012) mirror student protections and point to the 3205 procedure for investigations and anti‑retaliation safeguards.
Next steps: staff said the district's attorney has reviewed prior drafts and will review the revised documents; the board was asked to submit questions in advance so staff can research answers before a later adoption vote.
Reporting note: the presenter referenced that the model policies were drafted with WASDA (as provided in the packet). Board members asked clarifying questions about scope (on‑campus vs. off‑campus incidents) and whether third parties (parents, attendees) can be parties to complaints; staff said the grievance procedures cover incidents in transportation, facilities, sporting events or other school‑related contexts.
