During a recent government meeting, community members voiced their opinions on proposed updates to Title IX, aimed at enhancing protections against harassment in schools. Advocates for the updates highlighted alarming statistics from the 2023 Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey, revealing that 21.6% of students reported being bullied on school property, while 17.8% faced electronic bullying. Notably, LGBTQ students experienced bullying at significantly higher rates, with 43% reporting incidents compared to 22% of their heterosexual peers.

One speaker passionately urged the board to support the Title IX updates, emphasizing the need for schools to investigate harassment occurring off school grounds, particularly in the digital realm. They pointed out that many students do not report bullying, with 52% of victims remaining silent. The speaker called for the board to become a supportive resource for students facing harassment, highlighting the importance of kindness and community support.

Conversely, opponents of the updates expressed concerns about the expansive nature of the proposed regulations, arguing that they deviate from Title IX's original intent to protect girls and women in sports and education. One speaker, Shane Urban, urged the board to vote against the updates, citing the potential for confusion and the need for more funding directed towards hiring quality teachers rather than additional coordinators.

The meeting underscored a significant divide in the community regarding the future of Title IX regulations, with advocates emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive protections for all students, while opponents raised concerns about the implications of the new policies. The board's decision on the matter remains pending, with community members closely watching the outcome.