SPS Board Votes to Add “Gender Identity” and “Sexual Orientation” to Discrimination Policy after Months-Long Debate

After debating for several months, the Springfield Public School Board is adding language to their discrimination policy to protect against “gender identity” and “sexual orientation”.

The group voted for the third time on the measure Tuesday, which passed 4-3.

The controversy began in September, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture requested the language be added to the policy nationwide.

There was widespread fear that by rejecting the change, the district would run the risk of forfeiting the $7 million that comes from the USDA to accommodate students requiring free-or reduced lunches in the district.