Title IX
Title IX
Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. This law protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX states that:
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Title IX applies to any institution receiving federal financial assistance from the Department of Education, including state and local educational agencies. Educational programs and activities that receive federal funds from the Department of Education must operate in a nondiscriminatory manner. Also, a recipient may not retaliate against any person for opposing an unlawful educational practice or policy, or because a person made charges, testified or participated in any complaint action under Title IX.
Title IX at the Saint Marys Area School District
Consistent with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, SMASD does not discriminate against students, faculty or staff based on sex in any of its programs or activities, including but not limited to educational programs, employment, and admission. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a kind of sex discrimination and is prohibited by Title IX and by the School District.
SMASD also complies with Pennsylvania laws that protect individuals from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, as well as on the basis of gender identity. Questions or concerns about possible discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity under state law may also be directed to the Title IX Coordinator.
SMASD is committed to responding promptly and effectively when it learns of any form of possible discrimination based on sex. The School District responds to reports of sexual harassment, including sexual violence, as part of its efforts to stop the harassment and prevent the recurrence of possible sex discrimination. An individual who has questions or concerns regarding possible discrimination based on sex should contact the Title IX coordinator. An individual also may contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”).
The following information is provided in response to 34 C.F.R. Part 106.8 of the 2020 Title IX Regulations, mandating notice of a nondiscrimination policy and adoption and publication of grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of student and employee complaints. In accordance with Title IX, the district does not, and is required not to, discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities. The requirement not to discriminate extends to employment. As a school district serving students in kindergarten through grade 12, the district is not subject to provisions in Title IX Regulations (Subpart C) prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in admissions and recruitment. However, the district does not discriminate on the basis of sex in admissions or transfer requests.
The district has designated and authorized the following employee as the Title IX Coordinator to address concerns or inquiries regarding discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and gender-based harassment:
Title IX Coordinator: Director of Support Services
Physical Address: _977 S. St. Marys Road, St. Marys, PA 15857
Telephone Number: 814-781-2160
Email: [email protected]
Any individual may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, at any time, including during non-business hours, by mail, phone, or email.
During district business hours, reports may also be made in person.
To view an electronic copy of the District’s Title IX policies please go to:
https://www.smasd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=450811&type=d&pREC_ID=972170.
To obtain a copy of the District’s Title IX policies, including the grievance process that complies with 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b) of the 2020 Title IX Regulations, please contact : the Director of Support Services.
Upon receiving an allegation of sex-based harassment, the Title IX Coordinator will promptly respond in accordance with board policies.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to the district’s Title IX Coordinator.