The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board tabled a vote on its Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.  The issue now will be referred back to the school administration’s policy committee for another possible revision.  The controversy centers on the following passage:

“Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation…does not discriminate on the basis of a protected class including but not limited to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability or sex (including sexual stereotype nonconformity), in the programs or activities which it operates or the employment therein or admission thereto. The School strictly adheres to all non-discrimination and anti-harassment laws and does not tolerate any such acts.”  

The language sparking the most discussion was the phrase “sexual stereotype nonconformity.”

Two people spoke on this policy, both HSE School employees.

Suleman (Suley) Hussain is a music teacher at Cumberland Road Elementary School.  He told the board about attending a school district much like HSE, coming out as gay during his high school senior year in 2005.  He described the difficulty students had in forming a gay-straight alliance club sponsor.  Hussain described what it was like to be gay and have no protections.

“I’m here because I’m very concerned about the language that we’re proposing tonight,” said Hussain, “that it might be vague, and it really doesn’t protect gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual people.”

Laura Rinderknecht, who works in special education at HSE Schools, took aim at the language in the proposed policy.  “I’m concerned that it’s not espousing that we are a safe district to work in,” she told the board.  “As this language is currently written, it’s not reassuring of an inclusive and respectful work environment.”

Rinderknecht said the lack of strong non-discrimination language can impact hiring and retaining employees at HSE Schools.  She provided examples of nearby school districts with stronger language in their non-discrimination policies.

“My question is, what is our intention?,” said Rinderknecht.  “If it’s to declare to our current and future employees that HSE is a safe and inclusive place to work in, I ask that we be intentional about that in our language we’re using.”

Board Vice President Karen Harmer, who presided over the meeting in the absence of HSE Board President John DeLucia, read the following statement:

“As we are not a full board this evening, and since several items of concern or differing opinions have been brought to our attention in recent days regarding our recommended wording in this policy, and since our high school handbooks and perhaps in other grade level handbooks differ from our new policy, I recommend that after we have some discussion, we table this policy, until further research and discussion can be had and the full board is present.”

The board unanimously approved the motion to table the proposed language.  DeLucia was the only member not attending this meeting.

The board then had a lengthy back and forth with the attorney advising them on this board policy.  Board member Michelle Fullhart voiced her concern about the phrase “sexual stereotype nonconformity.”

“I look at this from a student’s standpoint,” Fullhart said.  “If I were a high schooler questioning my sexual identity, and I read that…I think that is very legalese up there, it’s not clear and to the point.”

Several board members suggested adding language that “we are a welcoming community.”

“I think it comes down to not throwing people away,” board member Terry Tolle said.  “If your kid did something, you’re gonna love them regardless, so you’re not going to throw people away.  That’s the main thing.  Whether it’s drugs, sexual orientation, or whatever, I think we need to focus on saving and reclaiming our people and treating everybody right.”

After the board vote and discussion, Hussain told LarryInFishers he was encouraged by board member Michelle Fullhart’s comments.  “It’s very, very lofty and good to say we don’t discriminate against anyone,” said Hussain, “but if everything is off limits then nothing is off limits.  You do have to list that.  There is a reason there are protected classes listed.”

After hearing the school board discussion, Rinderknecht repeated her concern about sending a clear message.  “I think it is one thing to say that we are welcoming,” she said.  “I think sometimes for people that are outside of the district, they may not necessarily view Fishers as being as welcoming as Fishers thinks it is.”

Rinderknecht said she personally believes Fishers is a welcoming community to all, she is just concerned about the perception of the local school system from people outside the area.