The district does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. The prohibition against discrimination on the basis of sex is required by federal law (20 USC 1681-1688; 34 CFR Part 106) and extends to employment.

 The district also prohibits retaliation against any student for filing a complaint or exercising any right granted under Title IX. Title IX requires a school district to take immediate and appropriate action to address any potential Title IX violations that are brought to its attention. Any inquiries about the application of Title IX, this notice, and who is protected by Title IX may be referred to the district's Title IX Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education or both. 

What is Title IX?

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

(Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. Section 1681 et seq.) and related regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106)

Title IX is a federal law passed in 1972 to ensure students and employees in educational settings are treated equally and fairly, with a right to learn and work in an environment that is free from unlawful discrimination.  It prohibits discrimination, harassment, exclusion, denial, limitation or separation on the basis or actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity or expression.  It applies to both male and female students in any educational institution receiving federal funding.

Key areas addressed by Title IX include:  athletics; sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual violence; pregnant and parenting students; off-campus activities; recruitment and admission; employment; and retaliation.

Student Rights Under Title IX Federal Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), implemented at 34 C.F.R. § 106.31, subd. (a), provides that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other education program or activity operated by a recipient which receives federal financial assistance. Relevant here, Title IX requires school districts to take immediate and appropriate action to investigate when it knows or reasonably should know of a possible Title IX violation.

Student Rights Pursuant to Education Code Section 221.8 Education Code section 221.8 provides as follows: The following list of rights, which are based on the relevant provisions of the federal regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.), may be used by the department for purposes of Section 221.6:

• You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
• You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
• You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
• You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.
• You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following:
  • Equipment and supplies.
  • Scheduling of games and practices.
  • Transportation and daily allowances.
  • Access to tutoring.
  • Coaching
  • Locker rooms.
  • Practice and competitive facilities.
  • Medical and training facilities and services.
  • Publicity
• You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws
• You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
• You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights or the State Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex.
• You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
• You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

What are a school’s responsibilities to address sexual harassment and sexual violence?

• A school has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively. If a school knows or reasonably should know about sexual harassment or sexual violence that creates a hostile environment, the school must take immediate action to eliminate the sexual harassment or sexual violence, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.
• Even if a student or his or her parent does not want to file a complaint or does not request that the school take any action on the student’s behalf, if a school knows or reasonably should know about possible sexual harassment or sexual violence, it must promptly investigate to determine what occurred and then take appropriate steps to resolve the situation.
• A criminal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence does not relieve the school of its duty under Title IX to resolve complaints promptly and equitably.

If you want to learn more about your rights, or if you believe that a school district, college, or university is violating Federal law, you may contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), at (800) 421-3481 or via email. 

 

If you wish to fill out a complaint form with OCR, click here.