Hamilton Southeastern Schools will use “Children Experiencing Homelessness” in its policy addressing students without stable housing, following a unanimous school board vote Wednesday night.
The decision concluded several weeks of debate and two reviews by the board’s Policy Committee. Before approving the change 7-0, the board rejected a motion by member Ben Orr to retain “Homeless Children.” That motion failed 5-2, with Orr and Tiffany Pascoe voting in favor.
Orr read a lengthy statement opposing the change. He argued that some young people become homeless because of their own actions and cited laws that use the term “Homeless Children.”
The discussion followed an earlier disagreement over whether the wording should change throughout the policy. At a previous meeting, board member Sarah Parks Reese questioned why the proposed revision changed the title but retained older terminology in the body. The board returned the proposal to the committee for further review.
Both forms of language appear in official education materials. The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act uses “homeless children and youths,” while Indiana Department of Education guidance also uses phrases such as “children experiencing homelessness.” The latter is person-first wording, placing the child before the housing circumstance.
The federal definition extends beyond children living on the streets or in shelters. It includes students who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, including those sharing housing because of eviction, economic hardship or similar circumstances, and those staying in motels because adequate alternatives are unavailable. Eligibility is assessed individually based on living arrangements.
Whatever terminology a district uses, its obligations under federal law remain. McKinney-Vento provides enrollment protections, the right to remain in a school of origin when that is in the student’s best interest, and transportation to that school upon the required request. Every district must also designate a liaison to help eligible students access services.
Families seeking assistance can find information and resources through HSE’s Student Services webpage.