CLAREMONT — A divided School Board voted to leave the district’s policy on transgender and gender non-conforming students in place for the time being while a committee consults with the board’s attorney for possible revisions.

The decision came amid concerns that federal funding for the district could be jeopardized if it’s found to be defying an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January targeting trans students.

Initially, the board considered voting to suspend the policy adopted in 2016.

Several times, board member Loren Howard argued that suspension was not necessary and the ever-changing political landscape creates an unclear picture.

“Us having no timeline from the federal government and an explicit threat to pull Claremont’s funding, there is no reason to suspend the policy, especially after hearing from the public tonight,” Howard said.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Koski read part of a letter from the district’s attorney, Matt Upton, urging the board to rescind or suspend enforcement of the policy until revisions could be made to “avoid any possibility that federal funding might be compromised.”

Board member Candace Crawford, who made the initial motion for suspension, said she accepted concerns about federal funding outlined in Upton’s letter, but added that her “biggest concern” was to be sure students feel safe and protected.

Crawford was joined by board members William Madden and Howard in supporting the motion, while Chairwoman Heather Whitney and member Frank Sprague voted against it. Board members Arlene Hawkins and Mike Petrin were absent.

The meeting was attended by a number of residents who spoke strongly against removing the policy.

“The board is opening a can of worms and inviting bullying, harassment and unkindness into our school environment,” resident Liza Draper said.

Rebecca Vinduska, a Claremont Middle School teacher, said suspension of the policy would be no different than removal.

“To me, that means open season on gay and trans students,” Vinduska said. “I don’t think that is what you mean, but that is what it sounds like.”

The three-page policy, adopted in 2016, addresses several circumstances including restroom and locker room use, gender-segregated activities and interscholastic sports. Overall, the policy allows students to use facilities based on their gender identity.

Resident Kelly Fontaine said it was a well-written policy when it was adopted and remains so today.

“We can’t go backwards,” Fontaine said.

Most of the speakers said the board was acting in haste and urged it to delay any action until consulting with legal counsel rather than removing the policy, which was how it was listed on the School Board’s agenda.

But others did not think review was necessary and wanted to board to scrap any consideration of removal, even under the threat of a loss of federal money.

Resident Anna O’Hara said the policy does not grant “special privileges” but provides students with basic protections that allow them to use facilities where they feel safe and promotes inclusivity in sports. Removing the policy, she said, sends a message that students’ well being is negotiable.

“You should be fighting for students, not against them. I urge the board to reject removal,” O’Hara said

State Rep. Wayne Hemingway, R-Claremont, who is also a city councilor, voiced a different viewpoint. “We have to look at the other side of the coin,” Hemingway said. “Where is the justice for the non-trans student?”

Hemingway said he had “nothing against any trans or gay student,” but allowing a biological male to enter a female bathroom puts “children in a position where they can be harmed.

“I just want justice and protection for all and fair treatment for everyone. We need to make sure every child is safe.”

Whitney, who had her hands full a few times trying to maintain decorum and respect of all viewpoints, said she believed the schools’ “culture,” not the policy, has created a safe environment for all students. That culture, which protects and supports the LGBTQA+ community, will continue to be upheld by teachers and administrators.

“I don’t see a shift in the culture while we go through the review and suspension process,” said Whitney, who also noted that she was told by the New Hampshire School Boards Association that Claremont is one of only 15 districts in the state with a transgender and gender nonconforming policy.

Superintendent Chris Pratt told the board that administrators will adhere to as much of the policy as they can and can also use other policies to protect students against bullying and harassment.

Howard acknowledged that even without the policy there are still protections in place, but added that the policy has been on the books for almost 10 years without any problems. He wants to see if the federal government moves against Claremont.

“Until there is an enforcement mechanism that we see that says, ‘Hey, you are not going to get millions of dollars if you don’t undo this,’ I think it is irresponsible for us to (suspend) this,” Howard said.

He’s looking to Upton to “write a revision that still protects these students but doesn’t go against federal law.”

Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.

CORRECTION: Claremont School Board members Candace Crawford, William Madden and Loren Howard supported a motion at a meeting Wednesday night to keep the district's transgender student policy in place, while Chairwoman Heather Whitney and member Frank Sprague voted against it. Board members Arlene Hawkins and Mike Petrin were absent. A previous version of this story was incorrect in how Sprague and Madden voted.