'Compromise' Nondiscrimination Policy Valid, State Says

'Compromise' Nondiscrimination Policy Valid State Says
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff



Posted: April 20, 2004 4:46 p.m. ET

(Westminster, California) A California school district the balked at the state's nondiscrimination policy for schools because it covered the transgendered will be allowed to keep a "compromise" policy.

State law requires the small school district like all others in California to have a written anti-discrimination policy that includes protections for all LGBT students.

The Westminster School District had been threatened with the loss of $8 million in annual state and federal funding after it refused on religious grounds to implement the policy. (story)

"I might take a lot of heat for it today, but the rewards are going to be great in heaven," said Judy Ahrens, one of three trustees who voted to reject the state policy.

The move angered many parents and teachers, led to a recall campaign and proposed legislation that would allow the state to take over the district.

When the state refused to back down, the trustees wrote their own policy that does not name protected groups but says all students should be free from discrimination.

California Supt. of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell said he will "reluctantly" accept the new wording. O'Connell said that the modified policy technically complies with state law.

But in a sternly worded letter to the district's five trustees, O'Connell said he did not trust that the board's majority intended to adhere to the law and promised to scrutinize the district for possible violations.

"I want to again express my disappointment that those who took an oath to educate children would abuse their elected positions and attempt to flout the law," O'Connell wrote. "This sets a destructive example for our children and is contrary to the democratic values of our society. Our children deserve better."

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