Civil Rights Complaint Process – School Meals Program
Electronic Devices updated 1-2020
Employee & Student Relations Policy
Human Trafficking Prevention Policy
Nondiscrimination Policy 1005-1 Title IX & VI
Parent and Student Handbook 2020-21
Manual de Padres y Estudiantes 19-20 (Espanol)
POLÍTICA DE PROCEDIMIENTOS UNIFORMES DE QUEJAS
Updated policies- Bullying, Suspension, Restraint
Title IX
Title IX is a federal law that was passed in 1972 to ensure that male and female students and employees in educational settings are treated equally and fairly. It protects against discrimination based on sex (including sexual harassment). In addition, Title IX protects transgender students and students who do not conform to sex stereotypes. State law also prohibits discrimination based on gender (sex), gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The preamble to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 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.”
Who is the Title IX Coordinator for Empower Charter School?
Demi Brown 6402 Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA 92111 admin@empowercharter.org 858.292.1304
Where can I get more information on the rights of a pupil and the public and the responsibilities of the public school under Title IX?
The following Internet resources are available to find more information regarding rights and responsibilities under Title IX:
California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity
United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
Rights Accorded Under Education Code, section 221.8
Is there a statute of limitations for filing an alleged incident of harassment or discrimination?
Any parent, guardian, individual, organization has the right to file a written complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying on the basis of a protected characteristic within six months from the date the alleged incident occurred or the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged incident.
The timeline for filing a complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying is extended by the Title IXCoordinator or designee, upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the extension. Such extension by the Title IX Coordinator or designee shall be made in writing. The period for filing may be extended by the Title IX Coordinator or designee for good cause for a period not to exceed 90 days following the expiration of the six month time period. The Title IXCoordinator shall respond appropriately upon a receipt of a request for extension.
How are discrimination complaints investigated?
Complaints filed to the school are conducted pursuant to its Uniform Complaint Procedures (“UCP”) policy. Under the Empower Charter School’s UCP policy, the Empower Charter School has 60 calendar days from office receipt to investigate the complaint and to send a letter with findings to relevant parties. During the investigative process, Empower shall contact complainant and other applicable parties to request documents and information. Empower provides an opportunity for the complainant to present evidence or information to support his/her allegations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Empower shall follow grievance procedures in order to comply with applicable federal and state law.
How may I file a discrimination complaint?
You may file a complaint with Empower Charter School’s Title IX Coordinator:
Demi Brown 6402 Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA 92111 admin@empowercharter.org 858.292.1304
A complaint may be filed anonymously if it provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance.
Otherwise, a discrimination complaint may be filed with the Office for Civil Rights:
San Francisco Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
50 United Nations Plaza
Mail Box 1200, Room 1545
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 486-5555
Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov
United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Complaint Form