The Anchorage School District Board on May 29 discussed a proposed amendment to Board Policy 6145.21 on sportsmanship, but members agreed not to advance the policy at that meeting after extended debate about enforceability, school‑level responses and unintended effects.

Member Donnelly proposed the policy and a second board member added their name as a sponsor; the proposed language would give district officials a clearer policy basis to address unsportsmanlike behavior, including targeted taunting and “screaming” that some members said had occurred at recent East High events. However, several board members questioned whether the policy as written would be enforceable and whether it would inappropriately criminalize or penalize ordinary game‑day yelling.

Why it matters: Board members said they want administrators and coaches to be able to address targeted harassment or abusive conduct, but they were wary of using a district‑level policy that could be interpreted inconsistently across different sports, venues and referees. Members said some incidents prompted personnel action under existing rules and schools already have disciplinary and athletics‑rule remedies that can be used in specific cases.

Substantive concerns raised: Board members asked how the policy would distinguish routine cheering (for example, “go, go, go”) from abusive screaming and whether referees and statewide game rules already covered offensive language. Several members expressed concern that a broad prohibition on “screaming” could be impossible to apply and might punish normal fan behavior. One board member said the district had taken personnel action and school‑level administrative steps in response to specific incidents, suggesting the existing processes could address the problems cited.

Outcome: With multiple board members urging caution, the sponsor said she would not put the policy to a vote at that time and would continue discussions with administration. No formal vote or policy adoption occurred.