Subcommittee forwards updated non-discrimination, restraint and bullying policies to full school committee

The Policy Subcommittee of the Holyoke School Committee voted June 9 to send a package of policy changes to the full committee, including a revised district non‑discrimination policy (AC), a rewritten physical‑restraint policy (JKAA) to comply with new state regulations, and an updated bullying policy (JICFB).

Attorney Matt Makavoy told the subcommittee the revised AC updates the list of protected classes, modernizes language and directs the superintendent to maintain grievance procedures outside formal committee policy so the district can adapt to changing court or federal guidance. "We recommend the committee authorize the superintendent to ensure appropriate grievance procedures," Makavoy said, adding the procedures will remain available in the student and family handbook.

The subcommittee debated where to place a reference to immigration status and how to frame pregnancy protections. Makavoy said removing "immigration status" from the employment paragraph avoids implying unlawful hiring practices while preserving a separate paragraph ensuring students are not denied admission based on immigration or citizenship. The members amended the draft to add a plain reference to "pregnancy" and to strike the Title IX–era phrasing "pregnancy‑related conditions" and "pregnancy status," which Makavoy said derived from regulatory language later invalidated by a federal court.

On JKAA, Makavoy presented a complete rewrite intended to comply with the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s updated restraint and seclusion regulations, effective Aug. 17, 2026. The policy text points to administrative procedures that will describe intervention strategies, allowable holds and required monitoring. Committee members asked about who assesses students after restraints and whether nurses will be involved; Makavoy and district staff said restraint procedures and monitoring details are in the aligned administrative procedures and in the family and student handbook, and that staff administering restraint must be trained and to end restraint immediately if a student shows signs of medical distress.

The revised JICFB replaces the district’s older bullying language with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees model policy to incorporate current definitions and statutory requirements.

The subcommittee also voted to recommend removal of three policies the attorney characterized as redundant or inconsistent with current federal regulations: ACA (sex discrimination), ACAB (sexual harassment), and JICK (harassment of students). Makavoy said their protections are covered in the revised AC and in the administrative grievance procedures.

All motions were approved by recorded roll call and will be taken to the full school committee for first reading or further action.

What happens next: The full Holyoke School Committee will receive the recommended policy drafts and removal recommendations at its next meeting, where members will consider the subcommittee’s amendments, the aligned administrative procedures and any additional public comment.