Springfield Public Schools Board Delays Language Addition to Discrimination Policy

Springfield Public Schools could soon be without free-or reduced lunch funding after tabling the discussion about adding new language to their anti-discrimination policy.

Last year, the USDA added a requirement for districts for language to be included in their policy forbidding discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

Several discussions have been had about the language within the SPS Board, with some allowing it and others refusing to include the language at all.

If they decide not to include the language in their school policy, the USDA will strip some $7 million in funding for students that require free-or reduced lunch.

Officials say most students in the school district qualify for free-or reduced lunch’s through SPS.