The Liberty Elementary School District No. 25 (LESD) Governing Board has officially rejected the U.S. Department of Education's (USDOE) proposed Title IX regulations, which were scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2024. This decision was made during the district's regular board meeting on August 19, 2024, where board members unanimously expressed their concerns about the implications of these federal rules, currently facing significant legal challenges in the courts.
Commitment to Student-Centric Policies
Concerns Over Federal Regulations
To fully understand the broader impact of the federal regulations, the board inquired about the Arizona Department of Education’s stance. After thorough consideration, the Governing Board concluded that the USDOE’s final regulation contradicts the original intent of Title IX. As a result, the board determined that these proposed changes are not in the best interest of the district’s students.
The board has also issued a strong call to action to the Arizona State Legislature in light of their decision. Specifically, they urged lawmakers to strengthen state statutes to ensure that students are safeguarded from what they describe as the "political weaponization of government"—an action they believe could infringe upon both federal and state constitutional rights. Nevertheless, despite rejecting the proposed federal changes, LESD has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Title IX's core principles as initially intended while respecting every individual's dignity within the district.
Board Vice President [Submitted]
Focus on a Safe Learning Environment
Board Vice President Bryan Parks echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe and apolitical learning environment for young students. "I am a strong proponent of keeping children safe and keeping politics out of the classroom," Parks stated. "We are educating students from pre-school through eighth grade, and in our view, these regulations have no place in our district. We focus on providing a safe learning environment where students receive the best education possible."
Continuing Commitment to Educational Excellence
As LESD moves forward, the district remains steadfast in its role as the educational hub for its community. The board’s recent decisions reflect a continued dedication to student safety and educational excellence, ensuring that all students can learn and thrive in a supportive environment.
