Title IX Students

Title IX/ Harassment

Overview Non-Discrimination Policy Uniform Complaint Procedure

The Sacramento City Unified  School District is committed to provide an educational environment free of unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature including sexual advances, requests for sexual favor, and other verbal or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment, as defined and otherwise prohibited by state and federal law.  Sexual harassment includes verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature which may have a negative impact upon the victim’s academic or work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational/work environment.  For general inquiries, please contact the Student and Hearing and Placement Office at (916) 643-9425 – Stephan Brown (Title IX Officer; stephan-brown@scusd.edu) and Sharon Barnes (Title IX Investigator; sharon-barnes@scusd.edu).

Summary of Sexual Harassment Policy

Sexual harassment is against the law in all schools in California (Education Codes 200, 212.6, 48900.2) and in the United States (Title IX). Sexual harassment is also in violation of Sacramento City Unified School District Board Policy (BP 5145.7).

Annual Parent and Student Rights Notification and Standards of Behavior Handbook

Sacramento City USD Board of Education Policy (BP 5145.7)

Sacramento City USD Board of Education Administrative Regulation (AR 5145.3 )

Title IX Officer and Specialists

Stephan Brown, SCUSD Title IX Coordinator

Title IX Specialists by School Site

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature which may have a negative impact upon the victim’s academic or work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational/work environment.

Complaint Process

As provided for under Title IX, and other state and federal law, students/families have the right to file a formal complaint of sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination at school. The Title IX/Harassment form is used to initiate the official process established for addressing such complaints.

Download a Title IX/Harassment Complaint Form

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against in violation of Title IX may file a complaint with the District or the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). If a crime is involved, such as sexual assault, individuals may also file a report with the local police department. A person may pursue one or all of these avenues at the same time. Below is a summary of each process.

District Complaint

Title IX complaints may be filed using the District’s uniform complaint procedure.

Time Requirement

A complaint with the District must be filed within six (6) months of the discrimination occurring or your awareness of the discrimination. (5 CCR 4630(b).) Upon written request setting forth the reasons for an extension, the Superintendent or designee may extend the time for filing a discrimination complaint by up to ninety (90) days for good cause. (5 CCR 4630(b).) If you have any questions about this time limit, or if you believe your complaint may be outside this time requirement but want to explore other options, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Investigation Procedure

Upon receipt of any complaint related to a potential Title IX violation, the District will ensure every allegation is investigated promptly, adequately and impartially. The District will also take steps to protect complainants from retaliation and ensure all parties are treated fairly throughout the District’s investigation process. As part of its Title IX obligations, the District also takes steps to prevent recurrence of any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence and remedy discriminatory effects on the complainant and others, as appropriate.  Please contact the Title IX Coordinator if you have any questions.

OCR Complaint

The complainant has a right to appeal the District’s decision to the California Department of Education’s Office of Equal Opportunity by filing a written appeal within 15 days of receiving the findings.  A discrimination complaint may also be filed directly with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights.

Time Requirement

OCR requires complaints to be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged discrimination. Please contact OCR, if you have any questions about this time requirement.

Investigation Procedure

Information regarding OCR’s investigation process.

For information regarding filing a complaint with OCR, please contact the California regional office at:

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
50 United Nations Plaza
Mail Box 1200, Room 1545
San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: 415-486-5555
FAX: 415-486-5570
TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov

Resources

For further information on notice of non-discrimination:

U.S. Office of Civil Rights

CA Dept. of Education Office of Equal Opportunity

U.S. Department of Education Confirms Title IX Protects Students from Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Training Material

Title IX: Responding to and Investigating Complaints of Sexual Harassment Webinar Workbook -Lozano Smith Webinar

Title IX: 2020 Regulation Updates - Sacramento County of Education - Dora Dome

SCUSD Administrator Title IX Training - November 2021 Powerpoint