The dispute over proposed changes to the state Board of Education’s Chapter 19 anti-harassment rules will likely come to an end tomorrow at the board’s first Kaua’i meeting of the school year. The changes that the board could finalize would
The dispute over proposed changes to the state Board of Education’s Chapter 19
anti-harassment rules will likely come to an end tomorrow at the board’s first
Kaua’i meeting of the school year.
The changes that the board could
finalize would add sexual orientation as one of the motives for harassment and
other forms of student misconduct that are forbidden under board
rules.
Proponents of the amendment have touted the change as being
necessary to protect gay and lesbian students from harassment by school staff
and other students. Opponents have insisted the board has already approved
rules designed to protect all students.
Because of its political ties, the
scheduled vote on the issue — mere days from the Nov. 7 general election,
which will determine the holders of nine board seats — may be a determining
factor on the board’s future composition.
With time scheduled for input
from the public, the board meeting is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. at
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School’s cafeteria.
Staff writer Matt Smylie
can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 226) and msmylie@pulitzer.net
