WCPSS Reaffirms Student Protections, Reverts to 2020 Title IX Guidelines Amid Policy Updates
Despite federal shift, the district reaffirmed its longstanding protections for LGBTQIA+ students.
Wake County, NC – During its March 25 Policy Committee meeting, the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) made several notable changes to its discrimination and harassment policies, including realigning with 2020 Title IX regulations following a federal court decision that vacated the Biden administration’s 2024 rules.
The board approved updates to Policy 1710/4021/7230, which governs the district’s stance on discrimination, harassment, and bullying. These updates revert the district’s procedures to align with the narrower 2020 Title IX framework, which became the federal standard again after a recent nationwide court ruling. The changes are primarily procedural, impacting definitions and complaint handling under Title IX.
Despite the federal shift, the district reaffirmed its longstanding protections for LGBTQIA+ students.
“I just want to assure the public and support our superintendent and staff in saying that it is the expectation of this board and of this school district that no child will be harassed or bullied in our schools for any reason. That includes LGBTQIA plus students, that includes trans students, that includes all students,” one board member stated.
The discussion also highlighted the continued legal weight of the 2020 Gavin Grimm decision in the Fourth Circuit, which includes North Carolina. That ruling, based on Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, prohibits schools from denying transgender students access to bathrooms aligned with their gender identity. Board counsel confirmed, “It has no impact on the Grimm case. And the language change never addressed bathrooms.”
In addition to procedural changes, the board clarified the difference between federal statutes and regulations. Title IX as a statute prohibits discrimination based on sex, while the detailed procedures for enforcement are defined by federal regulations, which have shifted back and forth in recent years.
The revised policy will move to an action item on April 8, allowing for additional public discussion.
The board also advanced updates to Policy 1720/4015/7225, which covers how discrimination and harassment complaints are processed. In keeping with the Title IX reversion, references to “sex-based harassment” were replaced with the 2020 term “sexual harassment.” The board emphasized that the intent of the policy must be matched by its enforcement at the school level.
Concerns were raised about a possible disconnect between policy and implementation, especially in bullying cases. “You can have people being repeatedly bullied or harassed. And we do have a policy that could have perfect wording, but it may not be being executed the way we intend it to be on this paper.”
District staff confirmed that administrators receive annual training on policy procedures, and that a discipline reporting system is being migrated to Infinite Campus this spring to help reinforce those practices.
Members also discussed the need for better parent communication and suggested exploring a hotline or other clear reporting tools. One board member emphasized that many parents “don’t know that there’s something where they should go to,” suggesting improvements in visibility and access to support services.
This second policy will also return to the board as an action item on April 8, reflecting the district’s commitment to transparency and public engagement on student safety and equity issues.
How to Learn More & Share Feedback
Community members can review the proposed policies and meeting agendas by visiting the WCPSS Board of Education website at www.wcpss.net/boe.
To provide feedback or ask questions, residents of Holly Springs and surrounding areas may contact their board representatives directly:
Lindsay Mahaffey (District 8)
Email: lmahaffey@wcpss.netLynn Edmonds (District 5)
Email: ledmonds@wcpss.net
Community members are also encouraged to attend the public comment period at the April 8 Board of Education meeting, where these policies will be formally presented for action. Public participation is vital in shaping policies that ensure the safety, dignity, and educational opportunity of all students in Wake County schools.