Prevention of Sexual Harassment As Prohibited by Title IX
C. Concurrent Statutory Obligations. While all forms of sex-based discrimination are prohibited in the District, the purpose of this policy is to address, and only address, sexual harassment as defined in Title IX and Section II.M. below. For conduct which satisfies that definition, a school’s response is governed by this policy, and in those cases for which they have received a filing of a formal complaint of same, as set forth under the Title IX Grievance Process set forth in Section IV below. For other forms of inappropriate conduct, or conduct which may satisfy the definition of harassment on the basis of sex under Vermont law, including student misconduct and employment based statutes prohibiting unlawful harassment and other forms of misconduct, the District may have the separate obligation to address those behaviors as required by other school policies and applicable laws.
D. Covered Parties. This Policy shall apply to all students, employees and any third party who contracts with the District to provide services to District students or employees, upon District property or during any school program or activity. A third party under supervision and control of the school system will be subject to termination of contracts/agreements, restricted from access to school property, and/or subject to other consequences, as appropriate.
II. Definitions
As used in this Policy and during the Title IX Grievance Process, the terms below shall have the meaning ascribed.
A. “Actual Knowledge” means “notice” of “sexual harassment” or allegations of “sexual harassment” to either (a) a recipient’s Title IX Coordinator; or (b) any officia12 q3`1l of the recipient who has the authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of the recipient; or (c) to any employee of an elementary and secondary school.
B. “Complainant” is an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute “sexual harassment” under this Policy. In order for an individual to be considered to be a Complainant they need not file Report of Sexual Harassment, nor a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment. Where the Title IX Coordinator signs a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment, the Title IX Coordinator is not considered a “Complainant.”
C. “Days” shall mean calendar days, but shall exclude non-weekend days on which the District office is closed (e.g. holidays, office-wide vacations), or any weekday during the school year on which school is closed (e.g. snow days).
D. “Decision-Maker” means persons tasked with either the responsibility of making determinations of responsibility (referred to as “Initial Decision-Maker”); or the responsibility to decide any appeal (referred to as “Appellate Decision-Maker”) with respect to Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment in accordance with the Title IX Grievance Process.
E. “Determination of Responsibility” is the formal finding by the decision-maker on each allegation of Sexual Harassment contained in a Formal complaint that the Respondent did or did not engage in conduct constituting Sexual Harassment under Title IX.
F. “Disciplinary sanctions” are consequences imposed on a Respondent when s/he is determined responsible for sexual harassment prohibited under this Policy.
F. “Emergency Removal” for purposes of this Policy shall mean removing a respondent from the District’s education program or activity on an emergency basis, provided that the District undertakes an individualized safety and risk analysis, determines that an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual arising from the allegations of sexual harassment justifies removal, and provides the respondent with notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision immediately following the removal. Emergency Removals as permitted by this Policy shall not be construed to modify any rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Americans with Disabilities Act.
G. “Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment” means a document filed by either (a) a complainant (or complainant’s parent/guardian); or (b) the Title IX Coordinator, alleging sexual harassment against a respondent AND requesting that the District investigate the allegation of sexual harassment. The issuance or receipt of a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment formally triggers the Title IX Grievance Process set forth in Section IV. of this Policy.
H. “Investigation of Title IX Sexual Harassment” Before the District can conduct an Investigation of Sexual Harassment under this Policy, against a Respondent, a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment that contains an allegation of sexual harassment and a request that the District investigate the allegations is required. Such investigation is a part of the Title IX Grievance Process, as set forth in Section IV.E.
I. “Remedial actions” are actions intended to restore or preserve a complainant’s equal access to the educational programs and activities of the District.
J. ”Report of Sexual Harassment” is any report which provides the District with actual knowledge of sexual harassment or allegations of sexual harassment. Such a report may or may not be accompanied by a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment. Without such a Complaint, the Title IX Grievance Process is not triggered. See Section IV.A and IV.B. regarding the process for initiating that process.
K. “Respondent” means an individual who has been reported to be the individual accused (i.e. perpetrator) of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment as defined under this policy.
L. “Retaliation” means intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination by either the District or any other person, against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX and/or this Policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing in connection with this Policy. Intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, including charges against an individual for code of conduct violations that do not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment, but arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a report or complaint of sexual discrimination, or a report or formal complaint of sexual harassment, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or this policy, constitutes retaliation.
Limitation in Scope.
i. Material False Statements. Actions taken in response to materially false statements made in bad faith, or to submitting materially false information in bad faith, as part of a report or during the Title IX Grievance Process do not constitute retaliation. A determination of responsibility alone is insufficient to conclude that a person made a materially false statement in bad faith.
ii. 1st Amendment Protections. The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment does not constitute retaliation prohibited by this Policy.
M. “Sexual harassment” prohibited under Title IX and by this Policy is conduct on the basis of sex, occurring in an education program or activity of the District, against a person in the United States, that satisfies one or more of the following:
1. A school district employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the District on an individual's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; OR
2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, AND objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s education program or activity; OR
3. Or any conduct which would satisfies one or more of the following definitions:
a. Sexual assault: Any sexual act(s) directed at another person without consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is unable to lawfully give consent because of age or cognitive ability. Consent to a sexual act exists where words, actions or other non-verbal conduct objectively communicates a desire to participate in the sexual act(s). Consent to some sexual act(s) does not indicate consent to all sexual acts. Consent may be withdrawn at any time by objectively communicating through words, actions or other non-verbal conduct AND/OR
b. Dating Violence: Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or an intimate nature with the victim. The existence of the relationship shall be considered with reference to the length of the relationship, the type of relationship and the frequency of the interactions between the persons involved in the relationship. AND/OR
c. Domestic violence: Felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner or any other persons protected under 15 V.S.A. section 1101 from domestic abuse. AND/OR
d. Stalking: A course of conduct by a person directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress.
Limitation in Scope. For purposes of this policy conduct shall not be deemed to satisfy Title IX’s definition of “sexual harassment” if the conduct occurred either (1) outside of the United States and/or (2) includes locations, events or circumstances over which the District did not exercise substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the harassment occurred.
N. “Supportive Measures” are non-disciplinary, non-punitive, individualized services, offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the complainant or the respondent before or after the filing of a formal complaint or where no formal complaint has been filed. Such measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the District’s education program or activity without unreasonably burdening the other party including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties or the District’s educational environment, or deter sexual harassment. These measures may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1.counseling;
2.extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments;
3.modifications of work or class schedules;
4.campus escort services;
5.mutual restrictions on contact between the parties;
6.changes in work or housing locations;
7.leaves of absence;
8.increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the district campus;
9.and other similar measures.
III. Duties
A. Reports of Sexual Harassment
1. Any Person May Make a ‘Report of Sexual Harassment’. Any person may report sexual harassment whether relating to her/himself or another person. A Report of Sexual Harassment may be made at any time, in person, by mail, by telephone, electronic mail, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report.
B. District Response to Report of Sexual Harassment.
2. Formal Investigation of Sexual Harassment. Before the District may conduct a formal investigation of sexual harassment or take any action (other than supportive measures) against a Respondent, a Formal Complaint that contains an allegation of sexual harassment and a request that the District investigate the allegations is required and must be filed by either the Complainant, the Complainant’s Parent/Guardian, or the Title IX Coordinator, as set forth under Section IV.B. below.
3. Initiating the Title IX Grievance Process. A Report of Sexual Harassment alone does not initiate a Title IX Grievance Process. Before the District may initiate that process, a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment must be filed under the procedures set out in IV.A. (“Title IX Grievance Process”).
C. Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment.
2. District Response to Receipt of Formal Complaint.
a. Investigation of Sexual Harassment. The District must investigate the allegations of a Formal Complaint unless both parties voluntarily consent to engage in Informal Resolution, or Dismissal otherwise occurs under Section IV. G. below.
D. District Duty to Respond When Determination of Responsibility For Sexual Harassment Has Been Made Against a Respondent. The District must provide remedies to a Complainant where a determination of responsibility for sexual harassment has been made against a Respondent designed to restore or preserve equal access to the District’s education program or activity. Such remedies may include “supportive measures” but also need not be non-disciplinary or non-punitive and need not avoid burdening the Respondent.
E. Reporting to Other Agencies.
1. Reports to Department of Children and Families. When a report made pursuant to this policy includes allegations of child abuse, any person responsible for reporting suspected child abuse under 33 V.S.A.§ 4491, et seq. must report the allegation to the Commission or DCF. If the victim is over the age of 18 and a report of abuse is warranted, the report shall be made to Adult Protective Services in accordance with 33 V.S.A. § 6901 et seq.
2. Reports to Vermont Agency of Education. If a report of sexual harassment is made to the District about conduct by a licensed educator that might be grounds under Vermont law for licensing action, the principal shall report the alleged conduct to the Superintendent and the Superintendent shall report the alleged conduct to the Secretary. [If a report of sexual harassment is made in an independent school about conduct by a licensed educator that might be grounds under Vermont law for licensing action, the head of school is encouraged to report the alleged conduct to the Secretary of Education.]
3. Reporting Incidents to Police.
a. FERPA Rights. Information obtained and documented by school administration regarding the school’s response to notice of student conduct that may constitute sexual harassment may constitute an “educational record” regarding the student or student(s) involved as defined by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. Accordingly, such information may not be disclosed without prior parent approval to local law enforcement except in response to a lawfully issued subpoena, or in connection with an emergency if disclosure is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
b. First Hand Reports. Nothing in this policy shall preclude persons from reporting incidents and/or conduct witnessed first-hand that may be considered to be a criminal act to law enforcement officials.
4. Continuing Obligation to Investigate. Reports made to DCF, AOE or law enforcement shall not be considered to absolve the school administrators of their obligations under this policy, or other school policies where appropriate, to respond, and when appropriate to investigate and follow the Title IX Grievance Process.
F. Disseminating Information and Notice.
a. The District’s policy of non-discrimination on the basis of sex, that it is required by Title IX not to discriminate in such a manner, and that such requirement not to discriminate in the education program or activity of the District extends to admission and employment (all to be prominently displayed on both the website and in publications):
b. The title, name, office address, email address, and telephone number of the District’s Title IX Coordinator (all to be prominently displayed on both the website and in publications);
c. A statement that Title IX inquiries may be referred to either the District’s Title IX Coordinator or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
The same information shall be otherwise provided to students, employees, unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the District, and all persons seeking employment with the District, or seeking to enroll or participate in the District’s educational programs or activities. Those persons shall also be informed of the grievance procedures and process provided for under Section IV. of this Policy, including how to file either a Report of Sexual Harassment or Formal Complaint of Harassment, and the response the District will take in response to such filings.
G. Record Keeping
The District shall maintain for a period of seven years records of
H. Confidentiality
1. Duty to Maintain Confidentiality.
The District must keep confidential the identity of any individual who has made a Report of Sexual Harassment or Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment under this Policy, any Complainant, Respondent, and any witness, except either:
IV. TITLE IX GRIEVANCE PROCESS.
A. General Provisions.
1. Triggers for Implementation. The Title IX Grievance Process is used only upon the filing of a Formal Complaint of sexual harassment as described below. This process must be followed before any discipline of a Respondent to allegations of Sexual Harassment may be imposed by the District.
2. Protections for Equitable Treatment in The Handling of Formal Complaints by District. The District response to a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment shall treat Complainant and Respondents equitably. In particular, this Title IX Grievance Process shall require:
a. Investigation 20 +/- days (as the complexity of the case demands);
b.10 days for reviewing information prior to conclusion of investigation;
c.10 days after receiving investigative report -by either- party to respond;
d.10 days for decision maker to allow initial questions;
e.10 days for responses to questions;
f.10 days for questions and responses to follow-up questions;
f.10 days for determination of responsibility decision;
g.10 days for appeal (6 additional days for administrative steps);
h.10 days for argument/statement challenging or supporting determination;
i.10 days for decision on appeal.
3. Delivery of Copies and Notices. Except as specifically stated elsewhere in this Policy, for any document, information or material required to be delivered to a party or to a person assigned with responsibility under the Title IX Grievance Process, the manner of transmittal may be by electronic mail, regular mail or such other manner reasonably calculated to assure prompt delivery with evidence thereof (such as a commercial carrier or other receipted delivery). Hand delivery will only be permitted if made to the District official charged with the specific function under this Policy (e.g., Title IX Coordinator, Superintendent, investigator, decision maker(s), etc.). Any document required to be delivered to a minor or other non-eligible student, must also be delivered to the minor’s parent/guardian. Copies should also be sent to a party’s advisor if the information for the advisor has been previously communicated to the sending party. Under federal regulations, copies of the investigative evidence, as well as the investigative report, must be forwarded to a party’s advisor.
4. Notice of Range of Disciplinary Sanctions and Remedial Actions Upon Final Determination of Responsibility.
5. Emergency Removal. Nothing in this Policy, or Title IX Grievance Process, precludes a District from removing a Respondent from the District’s education program or activity on an emergency basis, provided that the District undertakes an individualized safety and risk analysis, determines that an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual arising from the allegations of sexual harassment justifies removal, and provides the Respondent with notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision immediately following the removal. This provision may not be construed to modify any rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Americans with Disabilities Act. Such removal shall not be disciplinary.
6. Administrative Leave. Nothing in this Policy precludes a recipient from placing a non-student employee respondent on administrative leave during the pendency of the Title IX Grievance Process. This provision may not be construed to modify any rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act.
B. Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment. The Title IX Grievance Process is initiated by way of a Formal Complaint (“complaint” or “formal complaint”) filed by the Complainant, the Complainant’s parent/guardian, or the Title IX Coordinator.
1. Complainant Options. In cases of Actual Knowledge (and/OR) Reports of Sexual Harassment, the Complainant retains the option to either file a Complaint of Sexual Harassment or choose not to and instead simply receive the supportive measures, except as set forth below.
a. Filings by Title IX Coordinator. In cases where the Complainant does not file a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment, the Title IX Coordinator may nevertheless choose to sign and thus initiate a Formal Complaint of Harassment, but only if:
i. initiating the grievance process against the respondent is not clearly unreasonable in light of the known circumstances;
ii. in other cases where, in the exercise of good judgment and in consultation with the District’s attorney as appropriate, the Title IX Coordinator determines that a grievance process is necessary to comply with the obligation not to be deliberately indifferent to Actual Knowledge of sexual harassment.
iii. If the Complaint is filed by the Title IX Coordinator, he/she is not a party to the action, and the District must comply with all of the provisions of the Title IX Grievance Process relative to respondents and complainants.
b. Supportive Measures. The Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant to discuss and offer supportive measures.
2. Respondent Rights. In cases where no Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment is either filed by the Complainant or the Title IX Coordinator no disciplinary action may be taken against the Respondent based upon conduct that would constitute sexual harassment under this policy. Nevertheless, the Title IX Coordinator may contact the respondent to discuss, and or impose, non-disciplinary supportive measures.
3. Timeliness of Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment. Although the District will initiate the Title IX Grievance Process regardless of when the Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment is submitted, delays in reporting may significantly impair the ability of school officials to investigate and respond to the allegations.
4. Jurisdiction Over Parties. Although there is no time limit per se to filing a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment, Complaints may be dismissed if either the Complainant or Respondent is no longer enrolled or employed by the District.
5. Manner of Filing and Content of Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment. Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment may be filed with the Title IX coordinator in person, by mail, or by email and must be in writing. While forms may be obtained from the Title IX Coordinator or on the District or school website, at a minimum, a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment must:
6. Consolidation of Complaints. The District may consolidate formal complaints of allegations of sexual harassment where the allegations of sexual harassment arise out of the same facts or circumstances and the formal complaints are against more than one respondent; or by more than one complainant against one or more respondents; or by one party against the other party. When the District has consolidated formal complaints so that the grievance process involves more than one complainant or more than one respondent, references to the singular “party”, “complainant”, or “respondent” include the plural, as applicable.
C. Notification of Formal Complaint to Parties (“Notification”). Upon receipt of a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment, the District must provide the following written notice to the parties who are known:
1. Notice of the District’s Title IX Grievance Process (Section IV), including any informal resolution process.
2. Notice of the allegations potentially constituting sexual harassment as defined by Section II.M., including sufficient details known at the time and with sufficient time to prepare a response before any initial interview. Sufficient details include the identities of the parties involved in the incident, if known, the conduct allegedly constituting sexual harassment as defined by Section II.M., and the date and location of the alleged conduct, if known.
3. The written notice must include a statement that the Respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct and that a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the Title IX Grievance Process set forth in Section IV. of the Policy.
4. The written notice must inform the parties that they may have an advisor of their choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney (who may be present during any Grievance proceeding, including any related meeting or proceeding). The District may establish restrictions regarding the extent to which the advisor may participate in the proceedings, as long as the restrictions apply equally to both parties.
5. The written notice must inform the parties of any provision in the District’s code of conduct that prohibits knowingly making false statements or knowingly submitting false information during the grievance process.
D. Informal Resolution. At any time prior to reaching a determination regarding responsibility (but only after the filing of a formal complaint), the District may offer an optional informal resolution process (e.g., mediation, arbitration), provided that the District:
1. May not require as a condition of enrollment or continuing enrollment, or employment or continuing employment, or enjoyment of any other right, waiver of the right to a Sexual Harassment Investigation of a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment, such as may occur through Informal Resolution;
2. May not offer an informal resolution process unless a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment is filed;
3. Provides written notice to the parties disclosing:
4. Obtains the parties’ voluntary written consent to the informal resolution process; and
5. Does not offer or facilitate an informal resolution process to resolve allegations that an employee sexually harassed a student.
The Title IX Coordinator shall designate a qualified, trained, person to investigate. The investigation must:
1. Include objective evaluation of all relevant evidence, including inculpatory and exculpatory evidence. (Evidence about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant, unless such evidence about the complainant’s prior sexual behavior is offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the conduct alleged by the complainant, or if the evidence concerns specific incidents of the complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the respondent and is offered to prove consent.)
2. Ensure that the burden of proof and the burden of gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination regarding responsibility rests on the District and not on either of the parties;
3. Provide an equal opportunity for the parties to present witnesses, including fact and expert witnesses, and other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence;
4. Not restrict the ability of either party to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and present relevant evidence;
5. Provide the parties with the same opportunities to have others present during any interview or other part of the investigation, including the opportunity to be accompanied to any related meeting or proceeding by the advisor of their choice. The District may establish restrictions regarding the extent to which the advisor may participate in the proceedings, as long as the restrictions apply equally to both parties;
6. Provide, to a party (e.g., Respondent or Complainant – and parent/guardian as appropriate) whose participation is invited or expected, written notice of the date, time, location, participants, and purpose of all investigative interviews, or other meetings, with sufficient time for the party to prepare to participate;
7. Provide both parties an equal opportunity to inspect and review any evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations raised in a formal complaint, including the evidence upon which the recipient does not intend to rely in reaching a determination regarding responsibility and inculpatory or exculpatory evidence whether obtained from a party or other source, so that each party can meaningfully respond to the evidence prior to the conclusion of the investigation;
8. PRIOR to completion of the Sexual Harassment Investigative Report, the District, through the Title IX Coordinator, must send to each party and party’s advisor, if any, the evidence subject to inspection and review in an electronic format or a hard copy, and the parties must have at least 10 days to submit a written response, which the investigator will consider prior to completion of the investigative report;
9. Prepare a written Sexual Harassment Investigative Report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence, including, without limitation, witness credibility, discrepancies, inculpatory and exculpatory information, and relevant District policies, rules and regulations, and the manner in which the same were made known to the pertinent school populations or specific parties. The investigative report shall include a description of the procedural steps taken, starting with the receipt of the formal complaint, and continuing through the preparation of the investigative report, including any notifications to the parties, interview with parties and witnesses, site visit, and methods used to gather evidence.
10. The investigator shall provide the Investigative Report in hard copy or electronic format to the Title IX Coordinator, to each party and each party’s advisor, if any. Each party will have 10 days from receipt to provide the Title IX Coordinator a written response to the Investigative Report.
a. Irrelevant Questions and Evidence. Questions and evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant, unless such questions and evidence about the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior are offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the conduct alleged by the Complainant, or if the question and evidence concern specific incidents of the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the respondent and are offered to prove consent.
b. Written Responses to Questions. The Initial Decision-Maker will provide the questions to the party/witness, with copies to each party, and provide no less than 10 days for written responses, likewise to be provided to each party.
c. Opportunity for Limited Supplemental Questions. The Initial Decision-Maker will provide 5 days each for supplementary, limited follow-up questions and 5 days for answers, and may provide for additional rounds of follow-up questions, as long as the provision is extended to both parties equally.
a. Identification of the allegations potentially constituting Sexual Harassment as defined in this Policy, section II.M.;
b. A description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the formal complaint through the Initial Determination Regarding Responsibility, including any notifications to the parties, interviews with parties and witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather evidence, and hearings held;
c. Findings of fact supporting the Written Initial Determination Regarding Responsibility;
d. Conclusions regarding the application of the District’s applicable codes of conduct, policies, administrative regulations or rules to the facts;
e. A statement of, and rationale for, the result as to each allegation, including a determination regarding responsibility (i.e., whether or not the respondent is responsible for sexual harassment), any disciplinary sanctions the District imposes on the Respondent, and whether remedies designed to restore or preserve equal access to the District’s education program or activity will be provided by the District to the Complainant; and
f. The District’s procedures and permissible bases for the Complainant and Respondent to appeal (as set forth in Section IV.H, below).
6. Finality of Decision. The Initial Determination Regarding Responsibility becomes final, and identified as the Title IX Sexual Harassment Final Decision either:
7. Duty to Effectuate Title IX Sexual Harassment Final Decision.
1. The District must dismiss a formal complaint with regard to Title IX sexual harassment if the alleged conduct:
a. Would not constitute sexual harassment, even if proved;
b. Did not occur in the District’s education program or activity; or
c. Did not occur against a person in the United States.
2. The District may dismiss a formal complaint with regard to Title IX sexual harassment if at any time during the investigation or determination of responsibility stage(s):
a. A complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator in writing that the complainant would like to withdraw the formal complaint or any allegations therein;
b. The respondent is no longer enrolled or employed by the District; or
c. Specific circumstances prevent the recipient from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination as to the formal complaint or allegations therein.
3. Upon dismissal of a formal complaint, the District must promptly send written notice of the dismissal and the reason(s) therefore simultaneously to the parties.
4. The dismissal of a formal complaint under Title IX does not preclude the District from continuing any investigation or taking action under other District policies, code of conduct or administrative rules/regulations. In some cases, the District may have an obligation to continue an investigation and proceed under a different policy or mandated process.
1. Method of Filing. Either party may appeal the Initial Determination of Responsibility or the dismissal of a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment (or any allegations therein) by notifying the Superintendent in writing (“written appeal”), with a copy to the Title IX Coordinator. If there are multiple determinations of responsibility, the written appeal shall specify which ones are included in the appeal.
2. Deadline for Notice of Appeal. The Notice of Appeal must be in writing and received by the Superintendent, with a copy to the Title IX Coordinator, within 10 days of either the Initial Determination of Responsibility or the written Notice of Dismissal being communicated to the parties, as appropriate.
3. Grounds For Appeal. Either party may only appeal the Initial Determination of Responsibility or the Dismissal of a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment (or any allegations therein) based upon one or more of the following grounds, which must be stated specifically in the party’s written appeal:
a. Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter;
b. New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding responsibility or dismissal was made, that could affect the outcome of the matter; or
c. The Title IX Coordinator, investigator(s), or decision-maker(s) had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or the individual complainant or respondent that affected the outcome of the matter.
4. Appellate Decision-Maker. The Appellate Decision-Maker shall not be the same person as the Initial Decision-Maker that reached the determination regarding responsibility or the Dismissal of a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment, the Investigator(s) or the Title IX Coordinator. The Appellate Decision-Maker shall not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent. The Appellate Decision-Maker shall be trained as set forth in section V.F.2. and 3.
5. District Notification of Appeal and Duty to Equitable Treatment of Parties During Appeal. The District must notify the both parties in writing when an appeal is filed and implement appeal procedures equally for both parties.
6. Opportunity to Brief Appellate Decision-Maker.
a. Deadline In Cases Other than Newly Available Evidence. Except in cases of newly available evidence, each party shall have 10 days “reasonable and equal opportunity] from the date of the Notification of Appeal under section H.5. above, to submit to the Appellate Decision-Maker a written statement in support of, or challenging, the Initial Determination Regarding Responsibility.
b. Deadline in Cases of Newly Available Evidence. In cases where the basis of the appeal is newly available evidence affecting the outcome, the party relying upon such evidence shall submit to the Appellate Decision-Maker such evidence or a summary of such evidence along with the party’s appeal statement first and within 7 days from the date of the Notification of the Appeal. In such instances the Appellate Decision-Maker shall then forward such documentation on to the opposing party, whereupon the opposing party shall thereafter have 7 days to review and submit their Brief to the Appellate Decision-Maker.
7. Written Determination of the Appeal
V. Responsible Personnel.
A. Bias or Conflicts of Interest.
No person designated as a Title IX Coordinator, investigator, decision-maker, nor any person designated by the District to facilitate an informal resolution process, may have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent.
B. Title IX Coordinator.
The District must designate and authorize at least one employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with its responsibilities under this Policy, which employee must be referred to as the “Title IX Coordinator.” Any individual designated by the District as a Title IX Coordinator shall be free of conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent.
1. Notice of Title IX Coordinator Contact Information. The name or title, office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number of the employee(s) designated as the Title IX Coordinator shall be provided to the following:
a. all applicants for admission and employment;
b. parents or legal guardians of elementary and secondary school students;
c. employees; and
d. all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the recipient.
2. Duties of Title IX Coordinator In addition to coordinating the District’s efforts to comply with its responsibilities under this Policy, and any other duties assigned, the Title IX Coordinator shall be responsible for:
a. Receipt of Reports of Sexual Harassment. Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address, listed for the Title IX Coordinator.
i. Responding to general reports and formal complaints of sexual harassment.
(a). The Title IX Coordinator shall promptly contact the Complainant (or where Complainant is a minor their parent/guardian) (regardless to whether a formal complaint has been received) to discuss:
i. Supportive Measures: the availability of supportive measures (as defined in section II.N. above); to consider Complainant’s wishes with respect to supportive measures; to inform of the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment;
ii. Formal Complaint and explain the process for filing a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment.
ii. Signing and/or receiving Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment and in such cases commencing the Title IX Grievance Process set out in Section IV. above;
iii. Coordinating the effective implementation of supportive measures; and
iv. Coordinating the District’s efforts to comply with its responsibilities related to the Title IX Grievance Process set forth in Section IV of this policy, including any other specific duties as assigned by the Superintendent to fulfill the District’s obligations under this policy.
3. Conflict of Interest or Bias/Unavailability. In cases where the Title IX Coordinator is unavailable, including unavailability due to a conflict of interest or other disqualifying reason, the Superintendent shall assure that another person with the appropriate training and qualifications is appointed as acting Title IX Coordinator for that case, in such instances “Title IX Coordinator” shall include the acting Title IX Coordinators.
C. Investigators.
1. Conflict of Interest or Bias. Any individual assigned to investigate a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment shall not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent.
2. Responsibilities. Investigators shall be responsible for conducting Sexual Harassment Investigations as set forth in Section IV.E. above.
D. Decision-Makers.
1. Conflict of Interest or Bias. Any individual assigned as a Decision-Maker in the case of a Sexual Harassment under this Policy shall not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent.
2. Responsibilities.
E. Informal Resolution Process Facilitators (“Facilitators”).
1. Conflict of Interest or Bias. Any individual assigned to facilitate an informal resolution process shall not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent.
2. Responsibilities. Facilitators shall be responsible for facilitating a process of informal resolution as permitted in section IV. D. above.
F. Training. The District shall ensure that training of the following personnel occur:
1. All District Employees. Training of District Employees shall occur relative to mandatory reporting obligations, and any other responsibilities they may have relative to this Policy.
2. Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process. These individuals must be trained on the following topics:
a. the definition of sexual harassment as contained within this Policy;
b. the scope of the recipient’s education program or activity;
c. how to conduct an investigation, appeals, and informal resolution process;
d. how to serve impartially, including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue; and
e. conflicts of interest and bias.
3. Decision-makers. In addition to the topics set forth in II.D.2. above, decision-makers shall be trained on the following topics:
a. issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions and evidence about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant as set forth in Section IV.E.1. and IV.F.2.a.
4. Investigators. In addition to the topics set forth in II.D.2. above, investigators shall be trained on issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence, as set forth in Section IV.E.9 above.
5. Training Materials. Any materials used for trainings of Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process, must:
a. Not rely on sex stereotypes; and
b. Promote impartial investigations and adjudications of formal complaints of sexual harassment.
c. Be made available to the public either on its website, or if the District does not maintain a website, must make those materials available upon request for inspection by members of the public.
Legal References:
Legal References Disclaimer: These references are not intended to be considered part of this policy, nor should they be taken as a comprehensive statement of the legal basis for the Board to enact this policy, nor as a complete recitation of related legal authority. Instead, they are provided as additional resources for those interested in the subject matter of the policy.