LYNNWOOD — The Edmonds school board is considering a previous version of its sexual harassment policy that does not include mentions of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The plan comes after U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced through “Dear Colleague” letters that it would be enforcing the 2020 version of Title IX to comply with one of the Trump administration’s executive orders. Schools that do not comply with this order may be at risk of not receiving federal funding.
“We stand with the policy we did adopt, but with the flurry of executive orders coming through, we do need to maintain compliance with the law,” said board member Carin Chase at a Feb. 11 school board meeting.
In October 2024, the board passed a version of its policy to expand the definition of sex discrimination and sex-based harassment. The 2024 policy defines sex discrimination as “discrimination on the basis of sex, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.”
The old policy, approved in 2021, does not mention sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
“We’ve been fortunate that we haven’t been in the cross hairs with media and certain groups wanting to target our district, but there is the potential for that,” said Rob Baumgartner, assistant superintendent of human resources.
Superintendent Rebecca Miner said the Washington State School Directors’ Association recommended they change the policy “expediently.” The change is also necessary to avoid potential litigation, Baumgartner said.
On Thursday, state schools superintendent Chris Reykdal released a statement about similar “Dear Colleague” letters sent out about diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools.
“I’ve advised Washington’s school districts that they should not make changes to their existing policies, practices, and programming in accordance with this letter,” the statement read. “There are legal paths for the federal government to restrict federal funding, and a Dear Colleague Letter is not one of those paths.”
Edmonds School District remains committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, district spokesperson Curtis Campbell wrote in an email Wednesday.
“While federal guidance on Title IX has evolved, our commitment to prohibiting discrimination in any form has not changed,” he said. “Our policies and practices will continue to go beyond the minimum federal requirements, ensuring that all students are protected and supported.”
He added that state law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity. Another school policy is still in place that protects against discrimination of all students “regardless of gender expression, gender identity, or sex.”
“Additionally, the district has comprehensive policies and procedures for addressing harassment, intimidation, and bullying,” Campbell said. “We will continue to prioritize the well-being of every student and act swiftly to address any behaviors or actions that adversely impact a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.”
The guidance from the Washington State School Directors’ Association was to adopt the 2021 policy, Miner said. Some board members said they would like to adopt a more inclusive policy that still aligns with the 2020 regulations, such as mentioning the protections that exist under state law.
“I am comfortable taking this away to eliminate the immediate threat of litigation, but I’m not comfortable leaving it in place for the long term,” board member Keith Smith said.
Some districts, such as Snohomish, Mukilteo and Northshore, still have the old language listed on their website. Everett School District spokesperson Harmony Weinberg said the district is waiting to hear guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction before changing its policy.
The Edmonds School District plans to hold a vote on reverting to the old policy at its next meeting on Feb. 25.
Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.
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