Title IX
Title IX – Sex Based Discrimination is Prohibited
What is Title IX?
Federal Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all educational programs and activities, including athletic programs. Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment and sexual violence. Title IX states 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.
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. Title IX information provided here applies to every school site and to all District program and activities. Title IX protects all participants in the district programs, including students, parents, employees, and job applicants. East Whittier City School District complies with Title IX, as required by federal law.
Rights Under Title IX
Under California Education Code 221.8:
- 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.
Title IX Coordinators
In the event of a complaint regarding gender equity or sexual harassment, or discrimination, including harassment, intimidation and bullying because of actual or perceived disability, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, contact one of the following Title IX and Nondiscrimination Coordinators:
For complaints against employees:
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
562-907-5904
14535 E. Whittier Blvd.
Whittier, CA 90605
For student against student complaints:
Assistant Superintendent, Educational Support Services
(562) 907-5939
14535 E. Whittier Blvd.
Whittier, CA 90605
Filing a Title IX Complaint with the District
Student complaints shall be submitted in written form in accordance with Board Policy 1312.3 - Uniform Complaint Procedures. If the complainant is unable to prepare the complaint in writing, they can contact the offices of the Title IX Coordinators for assistance.
Complaints must be filed within six months from the date when the alleged unlawful discrimination occurred, or from the date the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying that is based on sex unless the Superintendent of Public Instruction grants extension under 5CCR 4630.
All complaints shall be appropriately investigated in a timely manner. Within three days of receiving the complaint, the compliance officer may informally discuss with the complainant the possibility of using mediation. If mediation is not feasible, or does not resolve the problem, an investigation will commence. Within 10 business days after the compliance officer receives the complaint, the compliance officer, or designee, shall begin an investigation into the complaint. The investigation shall include an opportunity for the complainant, or the complainant’s representative, or both, to present the compliance officer, or designee, with any evidence, or information leading to evidence, to support the allegations in the complaint. The District shall issue a written decision based on the evidence within 60 calendar days from receipt of the written complaint by the District.
Any complainant who is dissatisfied with the District’s final written decision may file an appeal in writing with the California Department of Education within 15 calendar days of receiving the District’s decision. Complaints made by or on behalf of students may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights within 180 calendar days of the date of the alleged discrimination, unless the time for filing is extended by the Office of Civil Rights for good cause shown under certain circumstances.
Resources
- United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
- United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Complaint Form
- Contact Information: 1-800-421-3481 or [email protected]
- California Department of Education’s Office for Equal Opportunity
- EWCSD Uniform Complaint Procedures – Board Policy 1312.3
- EWCSD Uniform Complaint Procedures