Board approves Title IX and harassment policy updates; staff to return with student-centered regs in spring

The San Francisco Board of Education approved updates to the district’s Title IX and related harassment policies on Tuesday, while staff pledged more student-centered regulations and broader prevention efforts to be developed by spring.

What changed: Office of Equity staff said the agenda items clarify definitions, lines of authority and victim-support measures and implement changes required by federal program monitoring. The updates make explicit that conduct meeting Title IX thresholds is handled at the district level with a formal grievance process, while other harassment and bullying complaints are investigated at the school site under the district’s bullying policy.

Student voice and prevention: The district announced a formal Title IX student advisory group, which members of the student body said helped shape current clarifications and will continue to push for broader prevention measures — including consent education and targeted athletics training. Student delegate statements urged more consistent, developmentally appropriate education on consent across K–12 and targeted training for athletics staff.

Implementation steps: The Office of Equity said it has designated Title IX site officers at every school, expanded staff trainings and set up weekly office hours and support for school sites. Staff said they would return to the board in the spring with proposed regulations informed by the student advisory and anticipated federal rule changes that are likely to broaden Title IX jurisdiction and protections.

Why it matters: Students and advocates have pressed the district for clearer policies and more proactive prevention after high-profile incidents and student protests. The approved policy updates aim to reduce confusion about reporting pathways and to strengthen supports for survivors while longer-term rules are developed.

What’s next: Staff will continue outreach with students and families and return later in the school year with draft regulations and recommended implementation steps for the 2023–24 school year.