Thompson schools add pregnancy, parental status to nondiscrimination policy

The Thompson School District Board of Education approved a revised nondiscrimination policy Oct. 21, adding pregnancy and parental status to its protected-class list.

The changes extend to Policy AC and its two exhibits. The nondiscrimination statement published in notices will also include both terms. The district will promptly investigate harassment allegations involving pregnancy or parental status and take action to address them, a staff member said. The briefing memorandum sets the proposed implementation start at board approval and says the revised policy will be updated on the district website.

The briefing memorandum says the change reflects recent Colorado General Assembly amendments under House Bill 26-1141. It says the revisions are intended to meet updated legal requirements and refine the policy’s language.

The board rejected a proposed amendment to Policy AC that would have replaced sex with biological sex. “Where it says sex, to have it read biological sex,” a board member said, arguing that the change would make the wording clearer. The member later asked the board to consider the change again at a future date.

People can submit harassment and discrimination complaints through the district’s online form, a staff member said. The district is required by law to provide online and paper forms, the staff member said. A board member said the website’s “Report a Concern” link is at the top right of the page. The district also accepts complaints by email or phone, though those methods are not preferred because staff need to collect substantial information, the staff member said.

One board member asked when the appeals process would be added back to the policy. “But I realize that tonight’s just about this, this change,” the member said. Another board member wanted more information and discussion about the appeals process.