AMHERST — An Amherst Regional Middle School guidance counselor who lost her job in December 2023 in the wake of a Title IX investigation showing she misgendered students and made inappropriate comments related to gender and sexual orientation is poised to return to a school building in the district.
The Amherst-Pelham school district announced late Thursday that Delinda Dykes will be back, nearly two years after she was terminated, confirming that the district is complying with a late October Hampshire Superior Court ruling affirming an arbitrator’s order for her reinstatement.
Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman said in a statement that she and the Regional School Committee are asking for the community’s understanding as the district fulfills its legal obligations regarding Dykes’ employment, while also remaining unwavering in its mission to serve all students with dignity and compassion.
“Our focus remains, as always, on our students,” Herman said. “Every decision we make must protect their learning environment and affirm their right to feel safe, valued, and respected.”
After the arbitrator’s decision was announced in July, protesters rallied prior to and at a Regional School Committee meeting, asking that if Dykes was back on the payroll that she not be allowed to have any student-facing position.
The organizers, the LGBTQIA+ Caucus of Amherst, also staged a a letter-writing campaign to the district with a similar request, and on the first day of school in late August had representatives gather in front of the middle school, and next to Herman’s office, holding welcoming signs, rainbow umbrellas and setting off bubbles as a way to offer those affected support.
By then, though, Dykes had been placed on paid administrative leave, as the district kept its court action intact, arguing that the arbitrator had not considered the district’s responsibility to ensure the safety and well being of all students.
In the end, Judge James Manitsas ruled that he would not vacate the decision.
The termination letter Dykes received, from Principal Talib Sadiq, told her that “you repeatedly misgendered students although having been corrected on numerous occasions” and “you made inappropriate comments related to gender and sexual orientation.”
“As we comply with the court’s ruling, we will continue to strengthen the systems that hold us accountable to those values ensuring that all personnel honor and uplift the diverse identities of our students,” Herman said. “This moment reminds us why firming our foundational processes matters: so that equity, integrity, and care are not just ideals, but daily practices across our schools.”
The district is not yet saying whether Dykes will be back at the middle school or another school in town and the Gazette didn’t immediately get a response from the central office to a request for that information.
A statement was also issued on behalf of the regional committee, the nine-member panel that has representatives from the four member towns, Shutesbury, Leverett, Pelham and Amherst. That statement observes that this latest development will evoke strong reactions, but that it’s the district’s legal obligation, rather than a discretionary act.
“We recognize that our students’ identities, safety, and emotional well-being must always remain central to every decision we make,” the statement reads, noting there is also a commitment to working in partnership with central administration to have an environment where all students feel safe, respected and supported.
“We will continue to strengthen district policies and practices that affirm belonging and uphold the highest professional standards.”