Only hours before a Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) school board meeting that had been expected to be contentious, school officials have modified the proposed language in the school corporation’s nondiscrimination policy.  The group HSEqual, organized to press for more specific language in the school district’s policy, is supporting the new language.

The policy is to be voted-on tonight.

The revised policy changes the phrase “gender nonconformity”to “gender identity” in listing student and employee groups covered by the policy.  

Another change removes the word “unlawful” in two parts of the policy.

“The parents, students, residents, and allies in HSEqual are proud that the Board was able to write an inclusive policy that does not leave out transgender students,” according to a statement released by HSEqual.  “We believe this is a huge step in the right direction for the board and administration and are ready and willing to work with the school corporation to make sure all of our students are treated equally and feel safe in their schools.”

Here is the latest version of the policy to be considered by the board:

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Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation will not discriminate or tolerate any form of
discrimination in its educational or employment activities for any reason or on any basis
prohibited by applicable federal and state laws, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability. This includes but is not limited to a characteristic, trait, belief, practice, association or other attribute. Hamilton Southeastern Schools will foster a culture and environment that does not marginalize, treat unfairly or disrespect any member of our school community and will recognize the uniqueness and individuality of all students, educators, staff and administrators so they have an opportunity to succeed.

This commitment applies to all School Corporation operations, programs, and activities. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and reporting any form of harassment or discrimination. This policy applies to conduct occurring on school grounds immediately before, during, or immediately after school hours; in any school program or activity taking place in school facilities, on school transportation, or at other off‐campus locations, such as at school‐sponsored field trips or a training program; or using property or equipment provided by the school, including school‐owned computers and the school’s computer network.

The immediate remedy for any act of discrimination shall be to end it, treat the individuals
involved equitably, and, as much as practically possible, eradicate any effects of discrimination.  The school corporation may impose discipline as appropriate.

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It should be noted that this proposed language will be the starting point for the board’s consideration of a nondiscrimination policy.  The board could choose to vote this language up or down, or amendments could be proposed and voted upon at tonight’s session.

The board meeting set for tonight (Wednesday) starts at 7pm.