Title IX
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972, 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 regulations apply to everyone in the District’s education programs and activities, including applicants for employment, students, parents/guardians, employees, and third parties.
Title IX Sexual Harassment Prohibited
Sex discrimination as defined in Title IX (Title IX Sex Discrimination) is prohibited. A District employee, agent, or student violates this prohibition whenever that person engages in conduct on the basis of sex that causes another person to be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity operated by the District. Title IX Sex Discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity.
Sex-based harassment is a form of Title IX Sex Discrimination. Sex-based harassment occurs whenever a person engages in conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
A District employee, agent, or other person authorized by the District to provide an aid, benefit, or service under the District’s education program or activity explicitly or impliedly conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on a person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; or
Unwelcome sex-based conduct that, based on the totality of the circumstances, is subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the District’s education program or activity; or
Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined in 34 C.F.R. §106.2.
Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Policy
A person who wishes to make a report under this Title IX Sexual Harassment grievance procedure may make a report to the Title IX Coordinator/Superintendent, Building Principal/Director of Education, or any employee with whom the person is comfortable speaking. A person who wishes to make a report may choose to report to a person of the same gender.
School employees shall respond to incidents of sexual harassment by promptly making or forwarding the report to the Title IX Coordinator. An employee who fails to promptly make or forward a report may be disciplined, up to and including discharge.
2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure
2:265 Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure
Title IX Coordinator
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”).
Title IX Coordinator: Nicole Zellmer, Superintendent nzellmer@crestonschool.org 202 W. South Creston, IL 60113 (815)384-3920
How to Get Help or File a Complaint
If you are not sure whether you should make a formal complaint, you can contact the District Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator can help you decide if any action needs to be taken and how best to address your situation.
Title IX Formal Complaint Form
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in employment. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. The District’s Title IX Coordinator is:
Nicole Zellmer
202 W South Street
Creston, IL 60113
815-384-3920
The District’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located at crestonschool.org under Title IX tab. To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please contact nzellmer@crestonschool.