During a meeting on Thursday night, Feb. 6, members of the Barrington School Committee voted to rescind the district’s Title IX policy prohibiting sexual discrimination.

School officials were quick to add, however, that there are still numerous protections in place for local staff and students. 

Aubrey Lombardo, the attorney for the school committee, said protections for individuals are still covered by state law and other district policies. 

Lombardo said a change in federal law forced the shift at the local level with Title IX. She referenced a legal decision from Jan. 9, 2025, which reportedly vacated the entirety of the 2024 Title IX rule which expanded protections for LGBTQ+ students. 

Barrington Superintendent of Schools Rob Wargo commented on the change — he said the school committee’s vote was done in an effort to follow federal law, but it will not alter the district’s approach to ensuring protections for all students and staff.

This is just about compliance, Wargo said.

A number of people attended the Feb. 6 school committee meeting and shared their concerns about the change. They supported the district’s DEI initiatives, and some asked for local school officials to release a statement that emphasizes the school department’s focus on ensuring all students and staff are treated equally and are safe in local schools. 

Prior to the vote, Barrington School Committee member Frazier Bell said he did not want to put his name on this change but added that the committee had no authority over federal law. 

Bell tried to reassure audience members, stating that everyone has equal rights in Barrington and they were going to make sure that continues. 

Bell later released this statement: “It was disheartening to see the recent changes enacted to Title IX that reversed the stronger protections against sexual harassment and discrimination particularly for LGBTQI+ students. While federal law may have been weakened, in Barrington, we will continue to protect all of our students. The school committee will continue to review policies to make sure that they are clear and provide support and protections for everyone. It's more important than ever that we embrace the diversity across our student population and make sure that Barrington Public Schools are a welcoming, safe place for all."

Policy details

According to a copy of the previous policy, the district had designated an employee to serve as the Title IX Coordinator. That person was responsible for coordinating the district’s response to complaints of sexual harassment. 

The policy stated, in part, “Students may report sexual harassment to the Title IX Coordinator or to any trusted BPS employee, such as a teacher, principal, assistant principal, school nurse, guidance counselor or social worker, or coach. Employees must report sexual harassment directly to the Title IX Coordinator.

“BPS shall ensure that the Title IX Coordinator and any employee acting as an investigator, decision-maker, or person facilitating an informal resolution process is adequately trained and free from conflicts of interest and bias.”