Hingham School Committee Approves Updated Non-Discrimination and Title IX Policies
Seven policies revised to align with state models and legal recommendations
HINGHAM, MA - September 9 - The Hingham School Committee approved seven updated policies related to non-discrimination, harassment, and Title IX procedures at its meeting on Sept. 9. The policies, which were based on Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) model policies, underwent revisions to clarify language and align with current legal standards.
Committee member Alyson Anderson presented the policy updates, noting they had undergone a first reading at a previous meeting. "There are items redlined where there are changes from our original policies, but the majority of them are new policies that were picked up from the MASC models," Anderson explained.
Among the key changes was an update to the non-discrimination policy (AC-R) to clarify protected classes. Anderson proposed adding language stating "discrimination and/or harassment includes, but is not limited to" followed by specific examples.
The Title IX sexual discrimination grievance policy (ACGB) received particular attention, with language modifications recommended by MASC legal counsel. Anderson said the changes aimed to clarify definitions around harassment, including updating language around "quid pro quo" harassment by school employees.
"They had some suggestions on the line above, just to clarify any instance of quid pro quo harassment by a school employee, they had a few more clarifying comments within there," Anderson said.
The committee approved the following policies:
- AC: Non-discrimination policy, including harassment and retaliation
- AC-R: Non-discrimination procedure, including harassment and retaliation
- AC-A: Non-discrimination on the basis of sex
- ACA-R: Non-discrimination on the basis of sex
- ACAB: Sexual and sex-based harassment and retaliation
- ACGA: Civil rights grievance procedure
- ACGB: Title IX sexual discrimination grievance procedure
Committee members voted unanimously to approve each policy individually after brief discussions. The updates are part of ongoing efforts to ensure district policies remain current and compliant with state and federal regulations.
Anderson noted that contact information within the policies would be updated following approval. "[Acting Superintendent Katie Roberts] has all of that ready to go, and we'll update that as soon as these are approved with appropriate people," Anderson said.
In other business, the committee addressed mental health awareness in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month. Chair Nes Correnti highlighted resources available on the school website for both students and adults.
"It's crucial that we take care of ourselves so that we can continue supporting our children and families," Correnti said. "Please be gentle with yourselves as you navigate the demands of the season. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need help, whether it's for yourself, your child, or a loved one."
Committee members noted several upcoming events related to suicide prevention. The town is asking people to wear blue on Sept. 10 for World Suicide Prevention Day. An Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide is scheduled for Sept. 21 at Bare Cove.
The committee also approved two grants from the Hingham High School PTO. One will fund a stipend for a coordinator of the senior community service day. The other provides $800 for a wellness program based on Yale University's "Science of Happiness" course.
Aisha Oppong, Executive Director of Business & Support Services, explained the program allows sophomores and up to participate in wellness activities. "It's supposed to be very successful in terms of building community amongst them and wellness amongst them," Oppong said.
Anderson, who has taken the course, encouraged others to try it. "The teen version I actually found was better than the adult version," she said. "It was really interesting and worthwhile."
The next school committee meeting is scheduled for Sept. 22.