Sexual harassment (under Title IX) is conduct on the basis of sex that is one or more of the following:
- A school employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the school on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct
- Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would find to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it "effectively denies a person equal access" to the school’s education program or activity
- Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking
Reporting Sexual Harassment
Any person may make a report of sexual harassment regardless of whether the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of the reported conduct or not.
- Reports may be made in person, by mail, telephone, online form submission, or email using the contact information provided for the Title IX Coordinator.
- Reports can be made at any time, including non-business hours, by using the telephone number or email.
- The district will respond promptly when any school employee has been given notice of sexual harassment.
- Upon receipt of a report of sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator will contact the alleged victim to inform them of the following:
- Free supportive measures available to them with or without filing a formal complaint.
- How to file a formal complaint.
- Their right to file a formal complaint.
Online Reporting Form
The formal complaint is the official document alleging sexual harassment, which can be filed by the student, employee, parent, or Title IX Coordinator. Once a formal complaint is filed and signed by the Title IX Coordinator, the district’s grievance procedure is followed to provide a prompt and equitable resolution of complaints from students and employees alleging sexual harassment. The grievance procedure requires the following steps be taken:
- Both the complainant (alleged victim) and the respondent (alleged abuser) will receive written notice of the complaint with sufficient details to allow the respondent to prepare a response.
- Respondent is presumed innocent.
- An investigation will be initiated after the written notice has been sent to both the complainant and the respondent. A written investigative report will be prepared and made available for both parties to review. Both parties will have 10 days to respond to the evidence in writing.
- Evidence from the investigation will be objectively evaluated to reach conclusions about whether or not the respondent is responsible for the alleged sexual harassment. The standard of evidence used is the preponderance of evidence standard.
- A written determination will be prepared and provided to both parties, along with information on how to appeal.
Online Formal Complaint Form
Retaliation
Neither the district nor any person may intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX, or because the individual has in good faith made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation.
