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JCPS Board tables discussion on SB 150 implementation

Board member James Craig requested the board wait for guidance from the federal Department of Education.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Jefferson County Public School Board decided to table the discussion of how the district would implement Senate Bill 150.

According to the WHAS11 News crew at the meeting, board member James Craig requested they wait for guidance from the federal Department of Education. That guidance is expected in October, after the statewide Aug. 15 deadline for adopting the policy.

The bill impacts schools by banning discussions on gender expression, sexual orientation and gender identity.

It also allows teachers to ignore a student’s preferred pronouns and restrict bathroom access.

JCPS is considering two policy drafts.

Some parents came with demands hoping a decision would be made.

"To vote for version two, to take a stand and say we support all of our students," Erica Harrod said. 

She's talking about the two versions of SB150 presented to, and being debated by, the JCPS school board.

Both drafts largely follow the language provided by the Kentucky School Board Association.

Version one includes language that the district is concerned about the provisions in the law, and warns certain provisions may violate Title IX.

Version two, created by JCPS staff, takes it a step further with a statement at the beginning saying SB 150 violates both the Constitution and Title IX.

However, most parents and students are in favor of the second version.

"It would make, like, socially transitioning easier, and getting misgendered is extremely uncomfortable for me," said Riley Harrod, a JCPS trans student. 

Earlier this month, the district’s lawyer said between the two policies there is not a clear choice, noting either could open the district up to lawsuits.

Inside the Van Hoose Center, students, parents, teachers and allies took to the podium to voice how the Board's decision will impact students.

"What if there is a trans kid at my school and we now have to use the wrong pronouns for, what if they have to go in a bathroom that makes them feel uncomfortable and unsafe?" student Finley Spaulding asked.

JCPS board members could not come to an agreement. That's when they decided to table and hold the discussion until they hear from the federal government.

Board members discussed why they either were against or for version two.

"For our teachers' sake this issue is going to be very difficult because they don't always know what the preferred pronouns are," Linda Duncan, the JCPS board member representing District 5, said.

Some board members felt changes need to be made regarding the language of SB150.

"The malintent is very clear that it is intended to further marginalize an already vulnerable group," Sarah McIntosh, the JCPS board member representing District 7, said.

Since no one was able to come to an agreement JCPS general counsel Kevin Brown intervened.

"If this vote to table passes you very well may be hearing from me and Dr. Pollio on or before Aug. 15 to take another run at getting a policy in place," he said.

The school board also approved a resolution affirming support for LGBTQ+ students.

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