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Urbana board reviews Press 114 updates, new Title IX grievance language and 'racism-free schools' policy
Summary
Administrators walked the board through Press 114 suggested updates, explained changes to Title IX grievance language to broaden discrimination coverage (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and presented a new policy that inserts 'racism-free schools' language to comply with recent state legislation; staff noted further policy drafts and training coming this fall.
District staff presented a packet of policy updates from the Policy Reference Education Subscription Service (Press) and highlighted several items the board will consider at upcoming meetings.
Administrators said the Press review consolidates periodic five-year updates and more substantive policy changes. The most substantive near-term change is renaming and broadening references to the district’s grievance procedures: where policy previously referenced “Title IX harassment,” the new language replaces that phrasing with a uniform “Title IX grievance procedures” formulation and explicitly covers discrimination protected categories such as sexual orientation and gender identity. District legal counsel from Robinson Schwartz will provide required professional development for all staff over the summer, the presenters said.
Staff also flagged a new policy (referred to in the packet as 2–270) drafted to implement requirements of the recently enacted state law addressing discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin. Administrators described the 'racism-free schools' language as intended to codify the district’s existing inclusive practices and to add procedures to prohibit retaliation or discriminatory barriers.
Board members asked clarifying questions about whether religion appears in the equity vision statement and whether the Press material includes a religion reference; administrators said they would verify the full packet and provide an answer at the business meeting when the board formally votes. The presenters said most of the five-year Press updates are minor (citation/footnote edits), while policy changes with new procedures will return in the fall for formal adoption.
Administrators noted the difference between Press language and legal counsel review: Press provides recommended text aligned to state statutes but does not substitute for the district's attorneys, who review and certify final language before adoption. The board was told to expect training and additional drafts this summer and early fall prior to any final vote.
