The Topeka City Council has voted to expand the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance to include LGBTQ residents and military veterans. The council unanimously approved an the ordinance Tuesday that prohibits discrimination in work, housing and public accommodations because of gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation or veteran status. The ordinance also was updated to prevent discrimination through telecommunication, which includes harassment over social media, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported. A first offense could result in a misdemeanor charge, a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. A second offense carries a possible $2,500 fine and up to one year in jail.
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The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education voted to extend winter break. The district said the change in scheduled in designed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on students and staff. The proposal, which the board voted to adopt on Monday, says students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade will return to class in the hybrid model on Jan. 11 instead of Jan. 4. Similarly, Hutchinson High School students will resume remote learning on Jan. 11, with plans to return to the hybrid model on Jan. 25. The Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy will also return on Jan. 11 to the hybrid model.
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