There was a packed house at the Orange County School Board meeting last night as members discussed two new LGBT protections for students and teachers. After nearly six hours of testimony from both sides, at times heated between the 200 people in attendance, the school board voted to approve the protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and staff.
After a public hearing School Board approves revision to Board Policy JB to expand on students protected from discrimination by a vote of 6 to 2
The revision modifies existing Board Policy JB expanding the category of persons protected from discrimination relative to the admission of students in Orange County Public Schools to include sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and genetic information in addition to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, language spoken, homelessness, or any other characteristic protected by law. The proposed revision also provides other clarification and non-substantive modifications for consistency with other Board policies as well as statutory updates. To view the revised Board Policy JB click here.
School Board also approves revision to Board Policy GBA to expand on persons protected from discrimination in any education program or activity by a vote of 6 to 2
The revision modifies existing Board Policy GBA expanding the category of persons protected from discrimination, sexual harassment or any other form of harassment in the participation in any education program or activity. The category of characteristics is expanded to include sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and genetic information in addition to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law. The revised policy also provides other clarifications and non-substantive modifications for consistency with other Board policies. To view the revised Board Policy GBA click here.
