Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in all educational programs and activities, including athletic programs. No person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity operated by the District. Title IX protects all participants in the District’s educational programs and activities, including students, parents, employees, and job applicants. The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment and sexual violence.

In addition to Title IX, the California Education Code prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in schools. (California Education Code §§ 220-221.1.) Other state and federal laws also prohibit discrimination and ensure equality in education. Please refer to Board Policies (0410 – Nondiscrimination In District Programs And Activities, 1312.3 – Uniform Complaint Procedures, 5145.3 – Nondiscrimination/Harassment, and 5145.7 – Sexual Harassment) and Administrative Regulations (1312.3 – Uniform Complaint Procedures, 5145.3 – Nondiscrimination/Harassment, and 5145.7 – Sexual Harassment) for more information on the District’s anti-discrimination policies.

Title IX information provided here applies to every school site and to all District programs and activities.

You have the following rights under Title IX, to the extent applicable at the District:

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

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

You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school or appropriate District personnel as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.

You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships if the District offers any.

You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following related to athletics, if any are provided by the District:

• Equipment and supplies;

• Scheduling of games and practices;

• Transportation and daily allowances;

• Access to tutoring;

• Coaching;

• Locker rooms;

• Practice and competitive facilities;

• Medical and training facilities and services; and

• Publicity.

You have the right to have access to a sex/gender equity coordinator, referred to as the Title IX Coordinator, to answer questions regarding sex/gender equity laws.

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

You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the California 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.

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

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

(California Education Code § 221.8.)

The District has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. If the District knows or reasonably should know about sex discrimination, it must take action to eliminate the sex discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. The District must resolve complaints of sex discrimination promptly and equitably. Information on filing a complaint alleging sex-based discrimination is below, including contact information for the District’s Title IX Coordinator.

For more information specific to anti-discrimination in District employment, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Learn more about your rights under Title IX:

Visit the website of the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html and the webpage on sex discrimination at http://www2.ed.gov/policy/rights/guid/ocr/sex.html.

Review United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, Know Your Rights documents:

• Title IX prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence

• Title IX requires the District to address sexual violence

• Title IX prohibits discrimination against pregnant or parenting individuals

Visit the website of the California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity at http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/di/eo/ and the webpage on Gender Equity/Title IX at http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/di/eo/genequitytitleix.asp.

Review related District policies and regulations:

Please go to our RSUSD School Board Policy Web Page at http://www.gamutonline.net/district/reefsunset/

The District has a Title IX Coordinator who oversees the District’s compliance with Title IX requirements and promotes sex equity in the District’s programs. Contact the District’s Title IX Coordinator:

TBA, Title IX Coordinator
RSUSD District Office
205 North Park Avenue
Avenal, CA 94592
Telephone: (559) 386-9083

A student, parent, guardian, employee, individual, or organization may file a written complaint alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying on the basis of a protected characteristic under the District’s Uniform Complaint Procedure by sending a complaint to:

Juan Ruiz, Title IX Coordinator
Director of Student Services – RSUSD District Office
205 North Park Avenue
Avenal, CA 94592
Telephone: (559) 386-9083 ext 1002
Email: jruiz@rsusd.org

The Uniform Complaint Procedure is available here. If you need assistance putting your complaint in writing, please contact Juan Ruiz at (559) 386 - 9083. You may file a complaint anonymously, but the District’s ability to investigate and respond may be limited by a lack of information.

You may also file a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. For more information, visit http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html. The electronic complaint form for the Office for Civil Rights is available online at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/. Contact the Office for Civil Rights at:

San Francisco Office
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
50 United Nations Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94102

Telephone: (415) 486-5555
Fax: (415) 486-5570; TDD: (800) 877-8339
Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov

For more information regarding Title IX and sex equity in education or in District employment, please contact the District’s Title IX Coordinator.