Upper Darby committee reviews policy updates on Title IX, free speech and generative AI; voting meeting planned

A board member walked committee members through proposed updates to district policies, explaining that many changes respond to state and federal requirements and that several policy revisions will be presented at the voting meeting for formal adoption.

Items discussed included policy 103 and policy 104 updates tied to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and 2020 regulation updates; policy 317.1 updates to align Title IX sexual-harassment terminology with current regulations; policy 320 language addressing parameters for free speech in school settings; and policy 8:15.1 establishing expectations and guardrails for student use of generative artificial intelligence, including potential criminal and disciplinary consequences if AI is used to harass or sexually intimidate others.

The board member noted that many updates are technical or compliance-driven but highlighted that the free-speech and generative-AI items require careful review with the district solicitor to ensure appropriate enforcement and legal alignment. Staff indicated the policies are prepared for movement to the voting meeting, where the board will take formal action.

Next steps: policies will be included in the voting-meeting packet for adoption and any necessary solicitor review prior to final action.