Regarding the recently passed House Bill 2, it is important to know that Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is in compliance (with the law) by moving forward with providing gender-neutral restrooms for anyone who needs access. HB 2 does not state that these bathrooms are unlawful. Our policies protect, and will continue to protect, all staff from any type of discrimination regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, and gender. The district's Director of Equity Leadership will be monitoring continues to monitor the progression of this law and will be partnering with our Senior Executive Director of HR, our Superintendent, and Assistant Superintendents, to make sure our district remains inclusive and accepting of all.At its April 7 meeting, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education unanimously passed the following resolution.
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CHAPEL HILL - CARRBORO CITY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION RESOLUTION OPPOSING HB 2
WHEREAS, on March 23, 2016, North Carolina General Assembly in special session ratified, and Governor Pat McCrory signed, House Bill 2 (Session Law 2016-3), the “Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act”; that omits sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and other categories from the statewide list of categories protected from discrimination and may diminish the legislative authority of local governments, particularly in the case of counties and municipalities; and
WHEREAS, compliance with HB 2 creates serious legal and fiscal risks for public schools because it conflicts with federal and state laws including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution; and
WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education prohibits discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on any of the following: race, color, religion, atheism, ancestry, national origin, gender, socioeconomic status, academic status, gender identity, physical appearance, sexual orientation, mental, physical, developmental, or sensory disability, immigration status, or any other classification that is protected by law, regulation or this policy. The Board further prohibits discrimination against a person perceived to have any of the above characteristics or against a person for associating with someone protected by this policy (see CHCCS Board Policy Code: 1710/4021/7230 Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying); and
WHEREAS, schools are first and foremost places where all students and staff must feel safe, included and protected.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education urges the repeal of House Bill 2 and reaffirms its support for protecting and advancing the rights and equitable treatment of all students and staff.
This the 7th day of April, 2016.
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James Barrett, School Board Chair
