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Saint Croix Central board tables draft Title IX–related nondiscrimination policy pending litigation
Summary
Trustees voted to table consideration of proposed Policy 1‑13, which would align district nondiscrimination language with recently published federal Title IX regulations, citing ongoing litigation and the need for legal guidance before local adoption.
The Saint Croix Central School District board on Tuesday voted to table consideration of a proposed nondiscrimination policy (Policy 1‑13) tied to new federal Title IX regulations, directing district staff to monitor litigation and return with further guidance.
Superintendent (S2) told trustees the new federal guidance expands protected categories to explicitly include gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy-related conditions and said legal counsel had advised districts to consult their chosen attorneys before rushing to adopt local policy language. “He said, ‘it's the law,’” the superintendent said during the discussion, urging caution and time to interpret the guidance.
Board members repeatedly cited pending litigation and injunctions filed by outside groups. One trustee urged waiting until court cases conclude: “I don't wanna deal with it until we have to,” a board member (S7) said. The board’s motion to table — recorded in the minutes as moved by Derek and seconded by Brad — carried on a voice vote.
Why it matters: The rulemaking affects district nondiscrimination procedures and employee training; legal questions raised in public comment and by trustees centered on practical implications for athletics and facilities. Administration told the board current local policy will remain in effect and that staff would follow existing procedures while monitoring federal updates and court outcomes.
What happens next: Trustees directed administration to continue monitoring legal developments, consult district counsel as recommended by WASB legal resources, and report back. The board said it would revisit Policy 1‑13 only after receiving further legal clarity or when litigation affecting implementation is resolved.
The superintendent framed the choice as a risk-management step rather than a policy statement: adopting immediately could expose the district to legal uncertainty while waiting risks nothing beyond timing; trustees were unanimous in preferring to await a clearer legal picture.
