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RSU 3 board advances first readings of updated harassment and restraint policies after debate over wording
Summary
On first reading the board approved updates to several harassment, discrimination and physical-restraint policies, debated language changes (including whether to change 'includes' to 'such as' in protected-class definitions and how to describe "protective hairstyles"), and scheduled a legal orientation in November.
The board approved first readings of a set of updated policies addressing discrimination, harassment and the use of physical restraint and seclusion, as recommended by the policy committee.
The policy committee presented model language drawn from MSBA-related templates and state/federal legal changes. A motion to approve the first reading of policy AC (equal opportunity / non-discrimination) and related exhibits carried by show of hands. Board members emphasized that the process requires a first and second reading before final adoption.
Board members discussed specific drafting choices. One member asked that definition language that now reads "includes" be changed to "such as" to make examples clearly illustrative rather than exhaustive. Another raised questions about the term "protective hairstyle" and suggested clarifying the meaning; members debated whether the word "afro" is appropriate or whether a different phrasing such as "African-American hairstyle" should be used. "Afro is just a hairstyle," a board member said during the exchange; others recommended checking legal guidance or counsel for wording that minimizes misunderstanding.
The board also reviewed statutory updates requiring changes to JKA (use of physical restraint and seclusion) and discussed training and documentation requirements. The superintendent explained that physical contact with a student is strictly limited to imminent-danger situations and must be performed by staff trained in certified safety procedures; the new state language increases paperwork and narrows when contact is authorized.
Separately, the policy committee recommended rescinding older affirmative-action plan policies that date to 1986 on the grounds that federal law and current human-resources practices now govern those requirements. The board approved the first reading to rescind those outdated policies.
All first-reading motions taken in this meeting were reported as passing by show of hands.
The board scheduled a presentation by their legal counsel in November (executive session) to provide orientation on school-board legal obligations and to review policy implementation questions.
