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Board declines to advance proposed Title IX update after extended debate, roll call fails to reach consensus
Summary
After extended debate about including sexual orientation and gender identity in a revised Title IX policy and concerns about ongoing litigation, the Spooner Area School District board did not reach consensus to move the new Title IX language to action (roll-call: five 'no', two 'yes'). The district will continue to operate under its current Title IX policy until further action.
Board members engaged in a prolonged discussion about a proposed Title IX policy update that would explicitly list protections to cover sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation and gender identity. One board member moved to table the update pending court developments; another emphasized the material was time-sensitive because new federal guidance is due to take effect in August.
"I would make a motion tonight that we table this to allow some of the court stuff to be worked out before we make a rash decision," one board member said (identified in the transcript as Jerry). That motion was seconded, and other board members raised procedural and legal questions, noting multiple lawsuits across states challenging similar language.
Board members also discussed operational implications such as lactation accommodations and how the district currently handles those requirements. Some members argued the district already has nondiscrimination protections in place and urged caution before adopting the new language; others warned of potential liability on both sides if the board acted prematurely.
The board chose to test for consensus to move the item to action at the end of the month via roll call. The recorded responses were five 'no' and two 'yes', so the board did not reach consensus to advance the new Title IX language. The chair confirmed that the district will remain under the existing Title IX policy for now; members may revisit the update at a later meeting once additional legal guidance is available.
