April 19, 2024

Dear ICS Nation:

I imagine many of you have questions or concerns about the new Title IX regulations released by the federal Department of Education today.  I have heard from some of you who have understandable anxiety and concern about what these new rules will mean for our students, educators, schools, and community.

The most important thing for you to understand about the new Title IX regulations is that they do not change ICS’s commitment to an educational environment free from discrimination and harassment based on sex. They also do not change our commitment to offering a supportive and fair process when allegations of sex-based misconduct are raised.

The most significant changes in the rules address how we respond to sex-based misconduct in schools. The rules give us more flexibility than the previous Title IX rules regarding how to address allegations of sex-based misconduct.   Before the rules go into effect this fall, we will provide you with information about what the process will look like in Irvington Community Schools.

I know many may have questions about how the new Title IX rules impact the interplay between gender identity, sports, and intimate facilities. Importantly, we are not making any changes right now. First, there is a separate rule governing Title IX’s processes for athletic participation that has not been released yet. As to how this new rule impacts intimate facilities, we are reviewing the rule and will carefully consider all options and community input before making any changes to our policies or practices. While we complete that review, Irvington Community Schools will continue its commitment to ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to learn and that no students are bullied or harassed based on their sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other prohibited reason.

Again, thank you so much for reading this message, engaging with me, and supporting and encouraging the Irvington community & families who entrust their children’s educational services to us!

Yours in Education,

Hans D. Lassiter, CEO

Irvington Community School Corporation