Advancing inclusivity

In a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity and enhancing community well-being, the Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Board hosted a workshop before their regular meeting on June 11, showcasing their commitment to creating a supportive and legally compliant educational environment.

The workshop was led by Brian Farmer, director of the Wyoming School Board Association and former University of Wyoming educator. Farmer emphasized the importance of having multiple stakeholders involved in policy discussions, noting that it is uncommon for many districts to engage so many voices in the process.

"Having a diverse group of stakeholders ensures that the policies are comprehensive and representative of the community's needs," said Farmer.

The workshop focused on the roles and duties of the school board, delivered by Board Chairman Steve Core. He discussed how the board directs the district's operations and maintains its corporate existence as an independent legal and political entity. The meeting also saw the renewal and approval of several key policies. The drug-free school policy was renewed, while the unsafe school choice option policy and the tobacco-free school policy were approved. Additionally, the board recognized the July Fourth holiday for staff working for the school district.

In the discussion on anti-discrimination policies, the district's legal counsel from Powell emphasized the necessity of aligning district policies with federal laws to avoid legal risks. The council noted that while the Wyoming Department of Education has specific practices, most of the district's policies are made with legal considerations in mind.

"Most of what you see is policy crafted by attorneys to keep us in legal compliance and mitigate risk," Farmer explained. The review process involves starting from the beginning and systematically working through each policy to ensure consistency and legal soundness.

One of the key areas discussed was the recommendations related to nondiscrimination and sexual harassment policies. The counsel stressed that any inconsistencies with legal policies could result in federal compliance issues. Notably, the inclusion of gender identity as a federally protected class was highlighted, indicating that regardless of political preferences, districts must comply with federal statutes to avoid civil rights violations and potential risks to federal funding.

Title IX policies have become increasingly complex, particularly regarding transgender participation in student athletics. While federal guidelines remain ambiguous, the board was advised to follow Wyoming law in the absence of clear federal directives. New requirements for sexual harassment investigations and processes were also discussed, underscoring the need for districts to stay updated with evolving legal standards.

The importance of parental rights was another focal point of the workshop. The district aims to balance parental communication with statutory language requirements. Core pointed out that there is a right of action under the Parental Rights Acts, which allows courts to review district actions but does not permit financial compensation for parents. The board agreed to table the parental rights policy for further review in July, aiming to amend it to better align with district and parental needs.

Visitor Carolyn St. John presented concerns about the ASCE form for sexual harassment complaints, particularly the involvement of parents in disputes involving minor children. She noted that the Biden Administration's Title IX policy revisions, set to be re-evaluated in a number of months, prioritize the rights of minors.

"School districts should refrain from issuing new policies until ongoing lawsuits are resolved," St. John advised, emphasizing the need for parental involvement in cases of sexual misconduct involving young children. She also raised concerns about bathroom legislation prioritizing minor populations' emotions over the majority's comfort.

The workshop concluded with a reaffirmation of the board's commitment to ensuring that all policies, especially those related to nondiscrimination and sexual harassment, are in full compliance with federal laws. This ongoing commitment aims to protect the district from legal risks and ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all students and staff.

As SWCSD No. 2 continues to navigate the complexities of federal and state regulations, the board remains dedicated to maintaining transparent and inclusive policy development processes. The collaborative approach taken during the June 11 meeting underscores the district's commitment to serving the community's best interests while adhering to legal and ethical standards.