The Croton-Harmon Board of Education faced a packed room and emotional public feedback Thursday night, centering on the controversial decision to pause the adoption of a district equity policy. During the President’s report, the board confirmed that Policy 0105, which would formalize the district’s commitment to equity, would not be brought forward for a first reading. This announcement follows a meeting of the board’s policy committee held earlier this week. Board President [Name] stated briefly that the decision not to move forward with the policy reading "does not change anything that is happening in our schools." 6:07▶ However, the assurance did little to quell the frustration of residents who felt the board was retreating in the face of political pressure. Elisa Silverglade, a community member who attended the policy committee meeting, addressed the board during the public comment period. She criticized the decision to halt the policy, attributing it to "personal risk aversion and anxiety thinking" rather than a legal necessity. "We live in a state where the attorney general has stood up for our legal right to pursue DEI as a school," Silverglade said. 8:50▶ She argued that removing the policy would not insulate the district from external scrutiny. "Standing down from this policy is not going to make you any safer in this environment. If they're making a list of pro-DEI schools, you're already on that list," she told the board. 9:25▶ Silverglade expressed deep concern that the pause sets a precedent for further concessions. "After being at that meeting yesterday I find myself wondering what is next for your capitulation? Is it curriculum? Is it rainbow flags... is it the Laramie Project?" she asked. 10:42▶ The public comment session also included logistical suggestions regarding student clubs and cell phone policies, but the tension regarding the equity policy dominated the proceedings. Before the contentious discussion, the board hit a brighter note, collaborating with Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES to recognize Drew Kretzer, a Croton-Harmon High School student, as the "Student of Distinction" for March 2025. Jessica Brill, an administrator from BOCES, praised Kestler for his performance in the architecture and engineering program. "Drew is reliable and resourceful. He is always willing to give 100% effort in the classroom and is enthusiastic, organized, hardworking," Brill said. 3:43▶ Superintendent Stephen Walker and the board congratulated Kestler, presenting him with a medal and certificate. Following the public comments, the board moved immediately into a budget workshop. The next scheduled business meeting is set for March 27, which will include a "Meet the BOE" session and an information session for potential board candidates. The president noted that the location for the pre-meeting sessions might need to be adjusted to avoid conflicting with a jazz concert scheduled in the high school faculty lounge.