Discrimination
番茄影视 Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth
groups. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Laura Cardinal, Title IX Coordinator laura.cardinal@bellinghamschools.org, 360-676-6455
Keith Schacht, 504 Coordinator, keith.schacht@bellinghamschools.org, 360-676-2787;
Keith Schacht, Civil Rights Coordinator, keith.schacht@bellinghamschools.org, 360-676-2787.
You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district’s coordinators, listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district鈥檚 nondiscrimination policy and procedure, contact your school or district office or view Policy and Procedure 3210 online.
Sexual Harassment
Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment by anyone in any school program or activity, including on the school campus, on the school bus, or off-campus during a school-sponsored activity.
Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature when:
A student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, such as a grade, a promotion, a place on a sports team, or any educational or employment decision, or
The conduct substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile educational or employment environment.
- Examples of Sexual Harassment:
- Pressuring a person for sexual favors
- Unwelcome touching of a sexual nature
- Writing graffiti of a sexual nature
- Distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
- Making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks
- Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault
You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district’s Title IX Officer, who is listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district鈥檚 sexual harassment policy and procedure, contact your school or district office, or view Policy and Procedure 3205 here: /policies-and-procedures/
Complaint Options: Discrimination or Sexual Harassment
If you believe that you or your child have experienced unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.
Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with your child鈥檚 principal or with the school district鈥檚 Section 504 Coordinator, Title IX Officer, or Civil Rights Coordinator, who are listed above. This is often the fastest way to resolve your concerns.
Complaint to the School District
Step 1. Write Our Your Complaint
In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. A complaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has taken place, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem. Send your written complaint鈥攂y mail, fax, email, or hand delivery鈥攖o the district superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator.
Step 2: School District Investigates Your Complaint
Once the district receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days鈥攗nless you agree on a different time period. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff need a time extension and the new date for their written response.
Step 3: School District Responds to Your Complaint
In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, a determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws, notification that you can appeal this determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be put into effect within 30 calendar days after this written response鈥攗nless you agree to a different time period.
Appeal to the School District
If you disagree with the school district鈥檚 decision, you may appeal to the superintendent. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you received the school district鈥檚 response to your complaint. The superintendent (or designee) will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they received your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. The superintendent will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district received your notice of appeal. The superintendent鈥檚 decision will include information about how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).