Gender inclusion policies were addressed during public comments at the Deer Park School Board meeting when a parent raised concerns. The board clarified they are legally mandated by state law to provide the inclusions.
When the floor was opened for public comments at the Deer Park School Board’s regular meeting, a parent raised concerns about a new section in the Home Link student handbook. The parent, who has several children in the Home Link program, voiced apprehension about the section on gender inclusion.
In response, the board explained that the gender inclusion section is mandated by law and cannot be altered through board policy. Although the parent noticed this policy in the Home Link Handbook, it is actually a requirement for all schools in Washington State. Schools must ensure their policies are inclusive of all gender identities in order to comply with both state and federal legal standards. Failure to adhere to these laws could result in legal challenges, loss of funding, and penalties.
The legal requirements that the Deer Park School Board must follow include Washington State laws RCW 49.60 and RCW 28A.642, as well as federal Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Additionally, the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has issued guidance on gender-inclusive schools that align with the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) and RCW 28A.642. Schools are required to adopt policies that protect students from discrimination based on gender identity and expression, and OSPI provides a model policy that districts, including Deer Park, implemented in this year’s school handbooks.
The parent also expressed concerns about the safety of students, particularly in areas like bathrooms and locker rooms. The father mentioned receiving numerous phone calls from other concerned parents and speaking with teachers who also had worries. A request was put forth about whether the board would consider forming a subcommittee of parents to discuss these concerns and potentially come up with solutions. The parent then emphasized that protecting all students should be a priority for the board as well.
All five board members—Craig Phillips, Rebecca Fouts, Lindsay Lofstrom, Gerry Ashby, and Eric Keller—were in attendance at the August 26th meeting to address this concern.
Guidelines for Public Comment at School Board Meetings
During school board meetings, community members can address the Board of Directors in the “Public Comment” segment. Individuals wishing to speak must submit a form to the board clerk, Joanne Greer, before the meeting begins. The board allocates a specific amount of time for each speaker and may ask clarifying questions, but an open dialogue should not be expected. If a response is requested, the board president, Keller, will determine how the district will follow up.
Key points:
- Comments should focus on school district policies or procedures, rather than personal or personnel issues.
- Speakers should first try to resolve their concerns by communicating with a teacher, principal, or administrator before addressing the board.
- Public comments are time-limited, with the possibility of consolidation if multiple people want to speak on the same topic.
- Speakers are encouraged to offer viable solutions to issues they raise.
If a group of five or more people wish to speak on the same topic, the board may ask them to select three representatives to present a collective view. Public comments may also lead to further study by the superintendent or be addressed at a future board meeting.
Check out a video of the full August 26th meeting on the Deer Park Gazette Youtube Channel: DPGazette.com/8w205
Sources:
- Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Gender-Inclusive Schools.” OSPI, DPGazette.com/hb9vv. Accessed 6 September 2024
- Washington State Legislature. “Chapter 28A.642 RCW: DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITION.” WA.gov, DPGazette.com/tm4ue. Accessed 6 September 2024.
- Washington State Legislature. “Chapter 49.60 RCW: DISCRIMINATION—HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION.” WA.gov, DPGazette.com/06455. Accessed 6 September 2024.
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Chris Reykdal. Bulletin No. 089-19 Legal Affairs, DPGazette.com/jgphi. Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, 12 December 2019.
- Deer Park School District. “Guidelines for Public Comment at Board Meetings.” Deer Park School District, DPGazette.com/6vuqz. Accessed 6 September 2024.
