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By Renata Birkenbuel

The policy committee ofthe Butte school district approved the two-word phrase “gender identity” Thursday at an open meeting. The proposed language change now goes before the school board for a vote on July 21 at 5 p.m., 111 N. Montana St. administration building.

If approved, the new language could expand the Butte school district’s bullying policy to become more inclusive.

Section four of the district Hazing/Harrassment/Intimidation/Bullying/Menacing policy reads:

‘“Harassment” includes, but is not limited to, any act which subjects an individual or group to unwanted, abusive behavior of a nonverbal, verbal, written, or physical nature, on the basis of age, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, ancestry, disability, or marital status.’

Jim O’Neill, curriculum director, recommended that “gender-identity” be inserted into the school policy covering bullying, harassment and intimidation following the closed session on an unnamed litigation issue on Thursday.