California Law : California Law consists of 29 codes, covering various subject areas, the State Constitution and Statutes. Information presented reflects laws currently in effect.

GES Anti Bullying Policy

BP 0410 Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities

BP 5131.2 Bullying

AR 5131.2 Bullying

BP 5145.3 Nondiscrimination/Harassment

BP 5145.7 Sexual Harassment

AR 5145.71 Title Ix Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures

BP 6145.5 Student Organizations and Equal Access

Other Resources:

• Laws, Regulations, & Board Policies

• Cal. Educ. Code §§200 and 220

• Cal. Educ. Code §221.5 et seq.

• Cal. Pen. Code §422.55

• Cal. Gov. Code §11135

• 5 Cal. Code of Reg. § 4600 et seq. Uniform Complaint Procedures

• BP 1312.3 Uniform Complaint Procedures

• AR 1312.3 Uniform Complaint Procedures

• BP 6145.5 Student Organizations and Equal Access

• BP 5131.2 Bullying

• BP 5145.2 Freedom of Speech/Expression

• BP 5145.9 Hate-Motivated Behavior

• BP 5137 Positive School Climate

• AR 6163.4 Student Use of Technology

• 42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq.

• 29 U.S.C. §701 et seq.

• AR 4030 Nondiscrimination in Employment

• BP 4030 Nondiscrimination in Employment

All students have a right to take part in educational activities at school without paying a fee, deposit or other charge. An "educational activity" is an activity offered by a school or school district that is an integral part of a student's education, including, but not limited to, curricular and extracurricular activity.  Schools cannot charge or request a deposit for materials, equipment, or clothing that are required to take part in an educational activity.

A fee includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

1. A fee charged as a condition for registering for school or classes, or as a condition for participation in a class or an extracurricular activity, regardless of whether the class or activity is elective or compulsory, or is for credit.

2. A security deposit, or other payment, that a student is required to make to obtain a lock, locker, book, class apparatus, musical instrument, clothes, or other materials or equipment.

3. A purchase that a student is required to make to obtain materials, supplies, equipment, or clothes associated with an educational activity.

If you were charged a fee this school year for an educational activity that is an integral part of your child’s education, you may request a reimbursement from your child’s principal or file a Uniform Complaint. 

Board Policy and Administrative Regulation

GESD BP/AR 3260 (Fees and Charges)

GESD BP/AR 1312.3 (Uniform Complaint Procedures)

Bullying is defined as any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act(s) or conduct, including electronic communications by a student(s) that has, or can be, reasonably predicted to have, the effect of one or more of the following:

Reasonable fear of harm to person or property; 

• Substantially detrimental effect on physical or mental health; or

• Substantial interference with academic performance.

Examples of bullying include, but are not limited to:

Physical bullying, which includes, but is not limited to, intentional, unwelcome acts of beating, biting, fighting, hitting, kicking, poking, punching, pushing, shoving, spitting, tripping.

Social or relationship bullying, which includes spreading rumors, manipulating relationships, exclusion, blackmailing, isolating, rejecting, using peer pressure and ranking personal characteristics.

Malicious teasing among individuals who are not friends with the intention of invoking, harm, fear or intimidation.

Malicious teasing among individuals based on the student's actual or perceived membership in a protected characteristic class.

Cyberbullying, which includes, but is not limited, bullying through messages, texts, sounds or images. Sending or posting of unwanted comments, images, videos, and pictures that are done to intentionally harm or bully a student (whether it is based on protected class or not).

Cyber sexual bullying/harassment, which includes when a student recipient receives an image and then shares that image to other students through text message, social media, or other electronic means, this is deemed to be cyber sexual bullying/harassment.

Hazing, which includes, but is not limited to, requiring a student to eat or drink disgusting food/material, endure physical abuse, or engage in physically dangerous or humiliating activities as an initiation to join a student club or team.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of bullying or harassment in a District program or activity, please report the incident directly to your school site administrator. If the bullying is based on a protected characteristic (such as race, ethnicity, gender, among others), the matter should be directed to the Uniform Complaint Procedure Coordinator, GingerLee Charles, by filing a Uniform Complaint using the online form, by emailing gingerlee.charles@grenada.k12.ca.us or by telephone at 530-436-2233.  

Other Resources

• CDE Anti-Bullying Resources

  For additional resources about bullying, please see the California Department of Education link here.  

• Board Policy & Administrative Regulation.

  GESD has an anti-bullying policy, which can be found in BP /AR 5131.2.

GESD is committed to protecting, nurturing, and celebrating the diversity of its community.  We are dedicated to reducing prejudice and bias and enhancing understanding and respect between individuals and groups within our school community.  

• Every student has the right to be protected from "hate-motivated" behavior. Behavior or statements that degrade an individual on the basis of race, ethnicity, culture, heritage, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical/mental attributes or religious beliefs or practices shall not be tolerated and may be considered “hate-motivated” speech or "hate-motivated" behavior.

  If you or someone you know has been the victim of bullying or harassment in a District program or activity, please report the incident directly to your school site administrator. 

  You may also report the incident by filing a Uniform Complaint.   

• Board Policy and Administrative Regulation GE

  SD BP 5145.9 (Hate-Motivated Behavior)

Title IX also ensures equal access to athletics for all students, specifically:

• Equal participation opportunities to play sports

• Equal treatment, benefits, and services in their athletic programs, including, for example:

  • Athletic equipment, uniforms, and athletic supplies

  • Locker rooms, practice/competition facilities

  • Allocation of travel/transportation benefits

  • Years of experience, compensation, and quality of coaches

  • Scheduling of practices and competitions

  • Promotion, publicity, and media

  • Academic tutoring services for student-athletes

Board Policy and Administrative Regulation

• BP/AR 5145.3 (Nondiscrimination / Harassment)

• BP/AR 6145 (Extracurricular and Cocurriular Activities)

• BP/AR 6145.2 (Athletic Competition)

Below, you will find GESD Board Policies and Administrative Regulations pertaining to Sexual Harassment and Nondiscrimination for both Students and Employees of the district. 

• BP 4119.11, 4219.11, 4319.11 - Sexual Harassment (Employees)

• AR 4119.11, 4219.11, 4319.11 - Sexual Harassment (Employees)

• BP 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination/Harassment (Students)

• AR 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination/Harassment (Students)

• BP 5145.7: Sexual Harassment

In California, public schools are legally mandated to follow California Education Code that supports LGBTQQIA+ students, and ensure that schools are safe and inclusive learning environments. 

The GESD community is dedicated to:

1. Treat students equally, prevent and respond to reports of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

2. Respect students' dress and behavior that does not conform to stereotypes associated with their gender, with respect to the student dress code.

3. Refer students by the gender pronoun(s) and name that fits their gender identity according to the student.

4. Provide access to school activities and facilities, such as locker rooms and restrooms, that fit with their gender identity.

5. Implement and provide access to gender-neutral restrooms, dress code policies, and classroom practices.

6. Provide students opportunities to speak out about LGBTQQIA+ issues, including wearing LGBTQQIA+-affirming t-shirts, stickers and bracelets, and access information about LGBTQQIA+ issues on school computers, and to bring same-gender dates to prom.

7. Support the LGBTQQIA+-related student clubs.

8. Respect the student’s individual choice to be "out" and be themselves at school, and seek their permission of when and to whom staff can discuss their LGBTQQIA+ identity.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of bullying or harassment in a District program or activity, please report the incident directly to your school site administrator. 

You may also report the incident by filing a Uniform Complaint.

 Board Policy and Administrative Regulation

GESD BP/AR 5145.3 (Nondiscrimination/Harassment)

GESD BP/AR 5145.7 (Sexual Harassment)

GESD AR/E 5145.71 (Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures)

GESD BP/AR 5132 (Dress and Grooming)

The Grenada Elementary School District is committed to providing a working and learning environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, immigration status, age, political belief or mental or physical disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation.  Harassment under Title IX (sex), Title VI (race, color, or national origin), and Section 504 and Title II of the ADA (mental or physical disability) is a form of unlawful discrimination that will not be tolerated by the District.  Harassment is intimidation or abusive behavior toward a student/employee that creates a hostile environment. Harassing conduct can take many forms, including verbal acts and name-calling, graphic and written statements, or conduct that is physically threatening or humiliating.

All employees and students will so conduct themselves by word, gesture, act, and demeanor so as to assure that all others will be accorded just and equitable consideration, regard, and treatment. Prejudice or discrimination in any form is deemed to be unethical, as well as illegal, and will not be tolerated. Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.

This nondiscrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, the District's programs and activities, including vocational education. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the District's programs or activities.

Additional information prohibiting other forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, inappropriate behavior, and/or hate crimes may be found in other District policies that are available in all schools and offices.  It is the intent of the District that all such policies are read consistently to provide the highest level of protection from unlawful discrimination in the provisions of educational services and opportunities. The District prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a complaint or participates in a complaint investigation. For assistance or to file a complaints related to discrimination or harassment based on student’s sex (Title IX); sexual orientation, or gender identity (Title 5, CCR, §4910); race, color, or national origin (Title VI); or mental or physical disability (Section 504), contact the Main Office at (530) 436-2233

Grenada Elementary School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying in educational programs, activities, or employment on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, immigration status, religious beliefs or customs, sexual orientation, parental, pregnancy, family or marital status, military status or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. GESD requires that school personnel take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so, when one witnesses an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Questions or complaints of alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying, equity or Title IX equity and compliance concerns should be directed to the following individual:

GingerLee Charles
Superintendent/Principal

gesd.superintendent@grenada.k12.ca.us

Grenada ESD, PO Box 10, 516 Shasta Blvd., Grenada, CA 96038 

Please review the related Board policies below:

• Sexual Harassment, Students

  • Policy 5145.7: Sexual Harassment

  • Regulation 5145.7: Sexual Harassment

  • Regulation 5145.71: Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures

• Sexual Harassment, Personnel

  • Regulation 4119.11: Sexual Harassment

  • Policy 4119.11: Sexual Harassment

  • Regulation 4119.12: Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures

• Nondiscrimination / Harassment, students

  • Policy 5145.3: Nondiscrimination/Harassment

  • Regulation 5145.3: Nondiscrimination/Harassment

• Nondiscrimination in Employment,  BP 4030 / AR 4030

  • Regulation 4030: Nondiscrimination In Employment

  • Policy 4030: Nondiscrimination In Employment

• Uniform Complaint Procedures, BP 1312.3 / AR 1312.3

  • Policy 1312.3: Uniform Complaint Procedures

  • Regulation 1312.3: Uniform Complaint Procedures

Additional Information:
California Department of Education Equal Opportunity and Access linked HERE 

California Education Code Selected Non-Discrimination Statutes
200.  It is the policy of the State of California to afford all persons in public schools, regardless of their disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual ori­entation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 422.55 of the Penal Code, equal rights and opportunities in the educational institutions of the state. he purpose of this chapter is to prohibit acts that are contrary to that policy and to provide remedies therefor.

201.  (a) All pupils have the right to participate fully in the educational process, free from discrimination and harassment. (b) California’s public schools have an airmative obligation to combat racism, sexism, and other forms of bias, and a responsibility to provide equal educational opportunity. (c) Harassment on school grounds directed at an individual on the basis of per­sonal characteristics or status creates a hostile environment and jeopardizes equal educational opportunity as guaranteed by the California Constitution and the United States Constitution. (d) here is an urgent need to prevent and respond to acts of hate violence and bias-related incidents that are occurring at an increasing rate in California’s public schools. (e) here is an urgent need to teach and inform pupils in the public schools about their rights, as guaranteed by the federal and state constitutions, in order to increase pupils’ awareness and understanding of their rights and the rights of others, with the intention of promoting tolerance and sensitivity in public schools and in society as a means of responding to potential harassment and hate violence. (f ) It is the intent of the Legislature that each public school undertake educational activities to counter discriminatory incidents on school grounds and, within constitutional bounds, to minimize and eliminate a hostile environment on school grounds that impairs the access of pupils to equal educational opportunity. (g) It is the intent of the Legislature that this chapter shall be interpreted as consis­tent with Article 9.5 (commencing with Section 11135) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1981, et seq.), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681, et seq.), Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)), the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), the federal Equal Educational Opportunities Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1701, et seq.), the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Secs. 51 to 53, incl., Civ. C.), and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Pt. 2.8 (commencing with Sec. 12900), Div. 3, Gov. C.), except where this chapter may grant more protections or  impose additional obligations, and that the remedies provided herein shall not be the exclusive remedies, but may be combined with remedies that may be provided by the above statutes.
210.1. “Disability” includes mental and physical disability as denied in Section 12926 of the Government Code.
210.7.  “Gender” means sex, and includes a person’s gender identity and gender related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth.
212.  “Nationality” includes citizenship, country of origin, and national origin.
212.1.  “Race or ethnicity” includes ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, and ethnic background.
212.3.  “Religion” includes all aspects of religious belief, observance, and practice and includes agnosticism and atheism.
212.6  “Sexual orientation” means heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.
219.  Disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Sec­tion 422.55 of the Penal Code includes a perception that the person has any of those characteristics or that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics.
220.  No person shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability, gen­der, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other character­istic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 422.55 of the Penal Code in any program or activity conducted by an educational institution that receives, or benefits from, state financial assistance or enrolls pupils who receive state student financial aid.
221.5.  (a) It is the policy of the state that elementary and secondary school classes and courses, including nonacademic and elective classes and courses, be conducted, without regard to the sex of the pupil enrolled in these classes and courses. (b) A school district may not prohibit a pupil from enrolling in any class or course on the basis of the sex of the pupil, except a class subject to Chapter 5.6 (commenc­ing with Section 51930) of Part 28. (c) A school district may not require a pupil of one sex to enroll in a particular class or course, unless the same class or course is also required of a pupil of the opposite sex. (d) A school counselor, teacher, instructor, administrator, or aide may not, on the basis of the sex of a pupil, offer vocational or school program guidance to a pupil of one sex that is different from that offered to a pupil of the opposite sex or, in counsel­ing a pupil, differentiate career, vocational, or higher education opportunities on the basis of the sex of the pupil counseled. Any school personnel acting in a career coun­selling or course selection capacity to a pupil shall explore with the pupil basis of the sex of the pupil counseled. Any school personnel acting in a career coun­seling or course selection capacity to a pupil shall explore with the pupil the possibility of careers, or courses leading to careers, that are nontraditional for that pupil’s sex. The parents or legal guardian of the pupil shall be notified in a general manner at least once in the manner prescribed by Section 48980, in advance of career counseling and course selection commencing with course selection for grade 7 so that they may participate in the counseling sessions and decisions. (e) Participation in a particular physical education activity or sport, if required of pupils of one sex, shall be available to pupils of each sex.
221.7.  (a) The Legislature ends and declares that female pupils are not accorded opportunities for participation in school-sponsored athletic programs equal to those accorded male pupils. It is the intent of the Legislature that opportunities for partici­pation in athletics be provided equally to male and female pupils. (b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no public funds shall be used in connection with any athletic program conducted under the auspices of a school district governing board or any student organization within the district, which does not provide equal opportunity to both sexes for participation and for use of facilities. Facilities and participation include, but are not limited to, equipment and supplies, scheduling of games and practice time, compensation for coaches, travel arrange­ments, per diem, locker rooms, and medical services. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a school district to require competition between male and female pupils in school-sponsored athletic programs.
233.  (a) At the request of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education shall do all of the following as long as the board’s actions do not result in a state mandate or an increase in costs to a state or local program: (1) Adopt policies directed toward creating a school environment in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive, that is free from discriminatory attitudes and practices and acts of hate violence. [statute continues]
235. here shall be no discrimination on the basis of the characteristics listed in Sec­tion 220 in any aspect of the operation of alternative schools or charter schools.
260.  The governing board of a school district shall have the primary responsibility for ensuring that school district programs and activities are free from discrimination based on age and the characteristics listed in Section 220 and for monitoring compliance with any and all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 11138 of the Government Code.

For Students

The Governing Board is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in district programs and activities. District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment), or bullying, based on race, color, actual or perceived ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy status, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

For Employees

Grenada Elementary School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), mental or physical disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic identified in California Education Code §§200 and 220, California Penal Code §422.55, and California Government Code §11135 (for students) and pursuant to Title VI [42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq.] and Section 504 [29 U.S.C. §701 et seq.] (for employees).

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (

2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Complaint Acceptance Procedure: Civil Rights Document

Harassment and other discrimination on the basis of sex include, but are not limited to, the following practices:

(a) On the basis of sex, exclusion of a person or persons from participation in, denial of the benefits of, or subjection to harassment or other discrimination in, any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other program or activity.

(b) On the basis of sex, provision of different amounts or types of student financial aid, limitation of eligibility for student financial aid, or the application of different criteria to applicants for student financial aid or for participation in the provision of student financial aid by others. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prohibit an educational institution from administering, or assisting in the administration of, scholarships, fellowships, or other forms of student financial aid, established pursuant to domestic or foreign wills, bequests, trusts, or similar legal instruments or by acts of a foreign government, which require that awards be made to members of a particular sex; provided, that the overall effect of the award of these sex-restricted scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of student financial aid does not discriminate on the basis of sex.

(c) On the basis of sex, exclusion from participation in, or denial of equivalent opportunity in, athletic programs. For purposes of this subdivision, “equivalent” means equal or equal in effect.

(d) An educational institution may be found to have effectively accommodated the interests and abilities in athletics of both sexes within the meaning of Section 4922 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations as that section exists on January 1, 2003, using any one of the following tests:

(1) Whether interscholastic level participation opportunities for male and female pupils are provided in numbers substantially proportionate to their respective enrollments.

(2) Where the members of one sex have been and are underrepresented among interscholastic athletes, whether the school district can show a history and continuing practice of program expansion that is demonstrably responsive to the developing interest and abilities of the members of that sex.

(3) Where the members of one sex are underrepresented among interscholastic athletes, and the institution cannot show a history and continuing practice of program expansion as required in paragraph (2), whether the school district can demonstrate that the interest and abilities of the members of that sex have been fully and effectively accommodated by the present program.

(e) If an educational institution must cut its athletic budget, the educational institution shall do so consistently with its legal obligation to comply with both state and federal gender equity laws.

(f) It is the intent of the Legislature that the three-part test articulated in subdivision (d) be interpreted as it has been in the policies and regulations of the Office of Civil Rights in effect on January 1, 2003.

(g) On the basis of sex, harassment or other discrimination among persons, including, but not limited to, students and nonstudents, or academic and nonacademic personnel, in employment and the conditions thereof, except as it relates to a bona fide occupational qualification.

(h) On the basis of sex, the application of any rule concerning the actual or potential parental, family, or marital status of a person, or the exclusion of any person from any program or activity or employment because of pregnancy or related conditions.

Cal. Education Code §230

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs, events, and activities. California law also protects students and employees from unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex.  Title IX applies to GESD students and employees - male, female, nonbinary, and transgender - and provides protections for students and employees who are sexually harassed, discriminated against and/or bullied based on their gender.

How to File a Complaint

If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your sex, gender orientation, or gender expression, you may:

• Report an incident to a staff member or school administrator*, or District administrator, or

• Send an email to gingerlee.charles@grenada.k12.ca.usor call the Title IX Coordinator at 530-436-2233, or 

• File a complaint by completing the Grenada Elementary School District Title IX Incident Report Form.  You may complete this form anonymously, but if you would like a response to your complaint, you will need to provide your name and contact information, as indicated at the bottom of the form.

*If an employee receives a report of an incident or witnesses an incident, he/she/they must report this information to their school principal or the Title IX Coordinator within one (1) school day. 

If a school principal receives a report of an incident, he/she/they shall, within two (2) school days, forward the report to the Title IX Coordinator to initiate investigation of the complaint. 

Student Rights Pursuant to Title IX

Consistent with federal and State law requirements, students have the following list of rights under Title IX:

1. You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.

2. You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.

3. You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.

4. You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.

5. You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following:

   1. Equipment and supplies.

   2. Scheduling of games and practices.

   3. Transportation and daily allowances.

   4. Access to tutoring.

   5. Coaching.

   6. Locker rooms.

   7. Practice and competitive facilities.

   8. Medical and training facilities and services.

   9. Publicity.

6. You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.

7. You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.

8. 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. Please visit the U.S. Department of Education for information on how to file such a complaint.

9. You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.

10. You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

Cal. Educ. Code §§221.6 and 221.8

Timeline and Procedure

Complaints must be filed within six (6) 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 sex discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying. 

• The time for filing may be extended up to ninety (90) days by the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee, for good cause, upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the request for an extension of time to file a written complaint.  

  Mediation may be offered as a means to resolution no earlier than three (3) business days after a complaint has been filed, but is not available for any incident where an SCUSD employee is accused of harassing a student, any incident involving alleged sexual assault, or if a party feels at reasonable risk.

  All complaints shall be appropriately investigated in a timely manner.  Written notice of the allegations shall be provided to both parties, and their representatives (if any) upon receipt by the Title IX / Uniform Complaint Procedure Coordinator of a formal Title IX complaint.  Within ten (10) business days after the Title IX / Uniform Complaint Procedure Coordinator receives the complaint, the Title IX / Uniform Complaint Procedure Coordinator, or designee, shall begin an investigation into the complaint.  

  Within one (1) business day of initiating the investigation, the investigation shall include an opportunity for the complainant, or the complainant’s representative, or both, to present the Title IX / Uniform Complaint Procedure Coordinator, or designee, with any evidence, or information leading to evidence, to support the allegations in the complaint. GESD must send written notice of any investigative interviews, meetings, or hearings to the party being interviewed (or with whom the meeting is held), and their representatives.  In addition, all evidence gathered must be made available for inspection and review by both parties, and their representatives, along with the opportunity to respond to the evidence.  At the conclusion of the investigation, GESD must send both parties and their representatives the preliminary Investigative Report for a 10-day review and response period, during which time a written response may be submitted to the Title IX / Uniform Complaint Procedure Coordinator.  

  The Investigative Report is then finalized and submitted to the Decision Maker, who will make a final Decision of Responsibility.  The Decision Maker will be a neutral third party, such as legal counsel or a third party consultant.  Each party, and their representatives, may submit questions to the Decision Maker, who, in its professional judgment, will determine which questions should be excluded and which should be answered.  Finally, the Decision Maker will issue a final written Decision of Responsibility, along with a summary of findings.  

  The final Decision of Responsibility will be provided to both parties and their representatives within sixty (60) calendar days from receipt of the written complaint by GESD.  Either party may appeal the Decision of Responsibility within ten (10) days of receipt of the Decision of Responsibility to the appropriate Appeals Officer (either the Director of Student Services, for students, or the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, for employees).  The Appeals Officer will issue a final Decision on Appeal.  

  Any party who is dissatisfied with the final Decision on Appeal may file an appeal in writing with the California Department of Education within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the final Decision on Appeal .

  Complaints made by or on behalf of students may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, within one hundred eighty (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.

Supportive Measures

After reporting to the school and/or the Title IX Coordinator, the District will offer you supportive measures. The Title IX regulations define supportive measures as non-disciplinary, non-punitive, individualized services that the District can offer as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the person targeted by the alleged harassment and to the person accused of the alleged harassment. The supportive measures are provided to restore or preserve equal access to your education program or activity without unreasonably burdening the other party.

Supportive measures may include, as appropriate: 

• Counseling,

• Referrals to health, mental health, and/or wellness services, 

• Extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, 

• Modifications of class or school-related activity schedules, 

• Campus escort services, 

• Mutual restrictions on contact between the parties, 

• Increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus, 

• Other similar measures.

Click here for Student supports.

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Confidentiality

All complaints and allegations of sexual harassment shall be kept confidential except as necessary to carry out the investigation or take other subsequent necessary action. 

However, when a complainant or victim of sexual harassment notifies the district of the harassment but requests confidentiality, the Title IX Coordinator shall inform him/her that the request may limit the district's ability to investigate the harassment or take other necessary action. When honoring a request for confidentiality, the district will nevertheless take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the complaint consistent with the request.

When a complainant or victim of sexual harassment notifies the district of the harassment but requests that the district not pursue an investigation, the district will determine whether or not it can honor such a request while still providing a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students.