Schools weigh gender-affirming dress code
The Stow-munroe Falls Board of Education is expected to vote this week on a dress code policy that says staff are allowed to dress within their gender identity.
Superintendent Thomas Bratten said the updated policy will help ensure the school is in compliance with Title IX, the federal law that prohibits discrimination in any public school based on gender.
“This update, being considered by our board of education, was recommended by Neola, an education consulting firm that works with more than 1,500 schools and school districts in six states to help them stay in step with changing regulations and laws,” he said.
The school district periodically updates its policy manual to be sure that its regulations are in compliance with current laws, Bratten added.
Desiree Boardwine worked at Stow as an English teacher from 2015 to March 2022. Boardwine, who identifies as lesbian, said she felt safe around colleagues and students as someone in the LGBTQ+ community — but added there is always room for improvement
“The decision to allow staff to dress within their gender identity would send a wonderful message to students and the community that those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community are safe to be themselves” at school, she said.
Neola added the gender-affirming language as an option for districts to consider adopting as part of their own policies. School districts that contract with the firm are under no obligation to implement its policy recommendations.
Whether or not school districts include such language in policy, federal courts have ruled that such dress is protected by the Civil Rights act of 1964, Neola Executive Director Patrick Corbett said.
“It has been advised that districts inform district administrators of such protection for all employees and for students,” he said.
In Summit County, Neola services are also used by the Akron, Barberton, Green, Hudson, Manchester, Springfield, Twinsburg and Woodridge school districts.
The Hudson City School Board opted against the Neola-drafted dress code guideline, which says: “The Board recognizes administrators’ right to dress in accordance with their gender identity, within the constraints of the preceding dress and grooming guidelines.”
Jennifer Reece, Hudson City Schools communications manager, said it would have been unnecessary to outline such a policy because of provisions already existing under under Ohio’s Title IX language.
“It would be redundant to list it again,” she said. “As a district, we are always looking at our policies and making updates as needed, but this one is already in place.”
Barberton City Schools also has bypassed the Neola-recommended guideline.
Superintendent Jeffrey Ramnytz said the district’s policy “indicates that our staff dress in a manner that is consistent with their professional responsibilities.”
The Green Local Schools board is currently considering the policy. Policy changes or revisions will take place this week at the regularly scheduled monthly board of education meeting, according to Julie Mcmahan, director of communications and community relations.
Under Akron Public Schools’ new equity policy, staff and students are allowed to dress within gender identity.
“We believe that every student, parent/guardian and staff member brings their own personal backgrounds and experiences into our schools and we are richer for it,” it reads.
Manchester, Springfield, Twinsburg and Woodridge school districts did not respond to requests to discuss their policies.
Bratten said it was important to note that the Stow-munroe Falls board retains the authority to prevent matters like dress and grooming from having an adverse impact on the educational process.
“That overarching goal of providing the best possible education for the students we serve guides all our decisions,” he said.
The Stow-munroe Falls school board will have a third reading during its meeting Monday and is expected to vote on the policy then.
“I think this is an incredibly important policy,” Boardwine said. “Administrators and staff members are crucial in creating the culture within a district or building; I think this is a wonderful step forward.”
Reporter Molly Walsh can be reached at mwalsh@gannett.com