Overview of Title IX and Sex Discrimination
The District is committed to creating and maintaining education programs and activities which are free from discrimination and harassment. This policy addresses complaints of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, made under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and its implementing regulations (Title IX). It is just one component of the District's overall commitment to maintaining a discrimination and harassment-free educational and work environment.
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that 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. The amendment in 1987 expanded the definition of program or activity to include all the operations of an educational institution, governmental entity or private employer that receives federal funds.
Title IX forbids sex discrimination in all district services and academic programs. Title IX also forbids discrimination because of sex in employment and recruitment consideration or selection, whether full time or part time, under any education program or activity operated by an institution receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance. In accordance with Title, the school district does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, and it is required by law and policy not to discriminate in such a manner.
>>Policy Code 3421, Community Relations | Elmira City School District Title IX and Sex Discrimination Policy (adopted March 10, 2021)
Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive financial assistance. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment, which is defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
- An employee of the District conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the District on participation in unwelcome conduct;
- Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s education program or activity;
- Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, as defined by applicable law.
Role of Title IX Coordinator
Pursuant to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the District’s Title IX Coordinator is the designated agent of the school district with primary responsibility for coordinating Title IX compliance efforts. The Title IX Coordinator’s responsibilities are critical to the development, implementation, and monitoring of meaningful efforts to comply with Title IX legislation, regulation, and case law. In broad terms, the Title IX Coordinator oversees monitoring of school district policy in relation to Title IX law developments; implementation of grievance procedures, including notification, investigation and disposition of complaints; provision of educational materials and training for the district community; conducting and/or coordinating investigations of complaints received pursuant to Title IX; ensuring a fair and neutral process for all parties; and monitoring all other aspects of the district’s Title IX compliance.
How to Report to a Title IX Compliance Officer
Conversations are kept as confidential as possible. Relevant information about misconduct can be shared to a Title IX Coordinator so that the District can take action if necessary for reasons of safety. Where appropriate, the Title IX Coordinators may seek the assistance of the
Dignity for All Students Act Coordinators (DASA's) in investigating, responding to, and remedying complaints of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment.
Title IX Coordinator Contact Information
The Elmira City School District hereby advises students, parents, employees and the general public that if offers employment and education opportunities without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics or marital status. Inquiries concerning this policy shall be addressed to:
Hillary Austin
District IX Compliance Officer
607-735-3010
Jake Sheehan
District IX Compliance Officer
607-735-3025
430 W. Washington Ave.
Elmira, NY 14901
Ph: 607-735-3000
info [@] elmiracityschools.com
You may always report directly to the Title IX Coordinators via email:
haustin [@] elmiracityschools.com
jsheehan [@] elmiracityschools.com
For emergencies, please dial 911.