A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
The School District 5 board of trustees meets this evening at 1800 in the library of the Kalispell Middle School. Use the upper parking lot. Comment will be taken on proposed changes (below) to the district’s discrimination policy.
The full packet (PDF, 26 MB) for the board meeting can be downloaded at this link, kindly provided by SD-5 board chairman Joe Brenneman. It’s a long download that places the PDF in your browser’s window. Right click and choose Save As to save the PDF to your disk. The proposed change to the discrimination policy (policy number 3210) is on page 347 of the packet, with deletions struck through and additions highlighted in yellow.
Proposed changes. The phrase “sexual orientation” is clear enough, at least to me. The phrases “gender identity” and “gender expression” need precise definitions, which I did not find in the packet. People using these phrases probably know, or believe they know, exactly what they mean, but to me they’re pretty close to psychobabble.
There may be a large turnout. Both the Republican and Democratic Parties have notified their members of the meeting, and so have a number of other organizations. The board should be prepared to move the meeting to the gymnasium.
Please exercise rhetorical restraint. The great danger is that the proposed changes to the policy will become a proxy for further cultural combat between those who believe homosexuality is a mortal sin, who believe the Supreme Being is on their side, and those who do not. Students who need all the understanding and compassion that society can muster — the students the policy changes are designed to protect — are in danger of being caught in the crossfire and becoming collateral damage. Before saying anything, commenters should consider whether remaining silent and committing their thoughts to paper, in gentle language, is the wiser choice.
If you cannot attend the meeting, you can email your comments to the board’s chairman, Joe Brenneman, and/or the district’s superintendent, Mark Flatau.
Flathead Memo note. Proposed deletions are struck through. Proposed additions are highlighted in yellow.
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School District #5 and Flathead High School District Kalispell Public Schools
STUDENTS (policy 3210)
Equal Education, Nondiscrimination and Sex Equity
The District will make equal educational opportunities available for all students without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, ethnicity, language barrier, religious belief, physical or mental handicap or disability, economic or social condition, or actual or potential marital or parental status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression.
No student, on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression, will be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, or advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.
Inquiries regarding discrimination or intimidation should be directed to the District Title IX Coordinator. Any individual may file a complaint alleging violation of this policy by following the Uniform Complaint Procedure (Policy 1700).
The District, in compliance with federal regulations, will notify annually all students, parents, staff, and community members of this policy and the designated coordinator to receive inquiries. This annual notification will include the name and location of the coordinator and will be included in all handbooks.
The District will not tolerate hostile or abusive treatment, derogatory remarks, or acts of violence against students, staff, or volunteers with disabilities. The District will consider such behavior as constituting discrimination on the basis of disability, in violation of state and federal law.
Legal Reference: Art. X, Sec. 7, Montana Constitution — Nondiscrimination in education
§ 49-2-307, MCA Discrimination in education
24.9.1001, et seq., ARM Sex discrimination in education
Policy History:
Adopted on: 01/04/2000
Revised on: 05/13/2003; 11/14/2006