Eastpointe board adopts Title IX policy revisions to comply with new federal rules

The Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education voted to adopt revisions to its Title IX policies during its Dec. 9, 2024 meeting, district administrators said. The changes update district policy to reflect federal Title IX regulations that took effect in August 2024.

Administrators told the board the revisions add protected-class language and clarify roles and procedures required under the new federal standard, including designated compliance officers and updated investigative steps. The administration said the legal changes come from the federal government and that districts must modify policy wording to remain compliant; Clark Hill, the district's outside counsel, helped draft the suggested updates.

Board discussion included requests from trustees for clearer presentation of what text changed from the previous policy and for additional training. One trustee asked whether the board could delay the vote to review redlined edits; administrators responded that policy may be revised later if needed but recommended approving the changes now to remain in compliance for the year the regulations took effect.

A motion to adopt the revisions, "to accept a revision to the Board of Education policies regarding Title 9 as presented," was moved and seconded, and the board approved the changes by recorded vote (majority in favor; one no). District staff offered to provide a training session and the Clark Hill presentation packet to the board and public to explain the adjustments.

The revisions will be incorporated into the board's policy book and administrators said they will continue to refine internal processes for Title IX investigations and provide training for the board and staff.

Votes at the meeting on the policy revision were recorded by roll call; the chair announced the motion carried.