“The school corporation does not discriminate in its educational or employment activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including transgender status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry or genetic information, nor on any basis prohibited by applicable federal or state laws.”
That language was the subject of a long and heated debate among members of the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board Wednesday night. After an argument that seemed to never end, the board finally voted down the language above proposed by Board Member Julie Chambers. Board members Chambers, Janet Pritchett and Michelle Fullhart supported the amendment language , but board member Sylvia Shelpler and Brad Boyer argued that the proposed amendment’s language was unnecessary.
When it came to a board vote, Amanda Shera, Mike Bottorff, Sylvia Shepler and Brad Boyer voted to reject the Chambers amendment. Julie Chambers, Janet Pritchett and Michelle Fullhart voted for it. As a result, the amendment was voted down 4-3.
The board then voted 4-3 to accept the following language instead:
“The school corporation will not discriminate in its educational and employment activities on any basis prohibited by applicable federal or state laws.”
Shera, Bottorff, Shepler, and Boyer voted yes on that measure. Chambers, Pritchett and Fullhart cast no votes.
The vote followed some of the sharpest verbal exchanges this reporter has witnessed in the over 7 years I have covered the HSE School Board. 10 members of the public spoke passionately before the board in the public comment period, all but one arguing in support of Board Member Chambers’ amended language, which they felt was a strong statement of protection for all students in the HSE School District.
A majority of board members did not see it that way, and once Chambers’ amendment was voted down by 1 vote, there were outbursts from the audience, some in anger, some breaking down in tears over the board’s decision. Many left the meeting room after warnings from Board President Bottorff about public outbursts during the session.
And there is one more thing. This was just the first reading of this nondiscrimination policy. It is not officially approved until voted on once again by the board in second reading, likely at the next regular board meeting.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was corrected at 9:20pm pm on 4.25.2019. The previous version cited the original proposed language for the policy. Brad Boyer moved to change the wording of the nondiscrimination policy passed on first reading Wednesday night.)
Do you know if there is video or a transcript of the school board candidate forum that was held last fall at HSE High? The discrimination policy was a topic in that forum.
Actually one small correction: The board voted to approve this language “The school corporation will not discriminate in its educational and employment activities on any basis prohibited by applicable federal or state laws.” They removed everything after that from the draft proposal.
This is what’s listed on the board website currently:
MOTION to approve policy G02.01/A02.00, Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity with the amendment to remove all wording after “applicable federal or state law” on a first reading.
Motion by Sylvia Shepler, second by Amanda Shera.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Sylvia Shepler, Mike Bottorff, Amanda Shera, Brad Boyer
Nay: Michelle Fullhart, Janet Pritchett, Julie Chambers
The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association sponsored one candidate forum in each of the last few school board election cycles….The Fiscal Conservatives of Hamilton County sponsored a forum in the last election. You would need to contact those group about video that may still be available
Made the correction…you were not the only person to point that out, but I thank you for letting me know.
Thanks Larry for all that you do!
I’ve lived in Fishers fifteen years, proudly – until now. The debate about this amendment, and subsequent vote was an appalling display of bigotry and ignorance that I frankly did not think I’d find in this town. At least not said out loud by an elected official at a public meeting. Shame on our city.
seems to me you the one being discriminator with you comments.
Thank you!
Sadly, using the wording “Federal or State” laws these days opens a potentially huge loophole.
Our Governor just signed a vastly watered down Anti-hate crime bill that did not include the necessary classes being bullied, attacked and discriminated against these days.
The Republican-controlled Legislature would even have public hearings and debates. It was done behind closed doors. Makes one wonder what they didn’t want voters to see or hear.
This really makes me sad for the psychological and physical well-being of affected students. I was raised to always try to put myself in another person’s position.
My Mom’s favorite phrase that still rings in my head today was:
“How would YOU feel if someone did that to you?”
It’s still an excellent question and one everyone should ask.
Thank you for the message, information and kind words
Travis Beltin echoed my feelings exactly. Sadly, the town used to be the only one in Hamilton County that I felt was not a village of bigotry. They have lost all respect and failure to lead the way by specifying areas of discrimination, they opened their door to do just the opposite. I am blessed not to live North of 96th Street.
No they are just having the courage to stand up to your corruption of morals with your political correctness and you insults and name calling. You live your life how you chose that’s your choice. Leave us the choice of not asking us to approve of it.