The Kenai School Board is set to vote on a set of new policies aimed at expanding the district’s power to clamp down on what it deems to be instances of discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying.

At the upcoming July 12 meeting, school board members are scheduled to vote on a slew of ordinances that not only prohibit overt acts of violence, but also certain forms of speech, non-verbal actions and other behaviors that could be construed as creating a hostile or intimidating learning environment.

The board claims these policies are necessary in order to update the school district’s approach to Title IX, a 1972 federal law that protects people from sex-based discrimination in school programs that receive federal funding.

As drafted, however, the proposals reach far beyond mere sex-based discrimination to include offenses based upon marital, pregnancy and parental status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression.

The board’s plan also includes hiring an “investigator” and judge to conduct fact gathering missions and question those accused of discrimination.

The proposals come at a time when the nation’s most powerful teacher union – the National Education Association – has vowed to use public schools to propagate critical race theory and push controversial ideas regarding LGBTQ sexuality across all levels of education.

It is unclear how Kenai’s proposed policies might affect free speech in schools, classroom discussions and debates on controversial topics or the free exercise of religion. Anyone accused of violating the proposed policies, however, would be answerable to a Title IX enforcer which the board hopes to hire before the start of the upcoming school year. The coordinator would be tasked with overseeing and reviewing complaints, investigating allegations of discrimination, identifying “systematic problems,” and conducting districtwide training sessions for staff and students.

The board’s plan also includes hiring an “investigator” and judge to conduct fact gathering missions and question those accused of discrimination.

In a number of districts around the country, anti-discrimination policies have been employed to force teachers into using the preferred pronouns of students who identify as members of the opposite sex. They have also required schools to let students use bathrooms and locker rooms of the opposite sex and to let boys to participate in all-girls sports programs.

At the very end of one proposed ordinance there is a token mention of free speech, stating that the policy “should not be interpreted to prohibit a reasoned and civil exchange of opinions or debate that is protected by law and Board policy.” That said, the ordinance then goes on to clarify that “conduct that does not rise to the level of harassment, intimidation and bullying may still be prohibited by other policies or rules.”

The terms bullying, cyberbullying harassment, and intimidation, encompass the following acts: taunting, name-calling, belittling, mocking or use of put-downs, demeaning humor, spreading rumors, disrespectful gestures, non-verbal threats, and other actions.

Aside from physical instances, the proposed policy also covers “social or emotional bullying,” which it acknowledges is “often harder to recognize.” This would be “encouraging others to turn against someone,” leaving them out or socially excluding them.

TAKING ACTION

• The July 12 school board meeting will include public testimony on the above proposals. The meeting takes place at the Assembly Chambers (144 Binkley Street, Soldotna) beginning at 6 p.m. Residents can participate in person or online via Zoom. To connect by telephone (audio only), dial (877) 853-5257 (toll-free). The conference ID# is 708 024 188. When prompted for an “Attendee ID,” press #. The Zoom ID is 708 024 188. The meeting will also be broadcast live on the district’s website. Those who wish to testify on any agenda item need to sign up by contacting Lisa Gabriel at (907) 714-8836 or lgabriel@kpbsd.k12.ak.us.
• Click here to view the agenda and packet items.

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