Nondiscrimination of students

Nondiscrimination of Students

Overview

Any form of discrimination or harassment can be devastating to an individual's academic progress, social relationship and/or personal sense of self-worth. Caledonia Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of the Protected Classes of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information in its educational programs or activities. If a person believes that he/she has been discriminated/retaliated against or denied equal opportunity or access to the District’s programs, activities or services, the person is encouraged to report the incident to district personnel.

District Compliance Officers will assist anyone who has questions or concerns. The Board also does not discriminate on the basis of Protected Classes in its employment policies and practices as they relate to students, and does not tolerate harassment of any kind. Equal educational opportunities shall be available to all students, without regard to the Protected Classes, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age (unless age is a factor necessary to the normal operation or the achievement of any legitimate objective of the program/activity), place of residence within the boundaries of the District, or social or economic background, to learn through the curriculum offered in this District. Educational programs shall be designed to meet the varying needs of all students

Handicapped Access

In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the Board shall permit individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in all areas of the District's facilities where members of the public, as participants in services, programs or activities, or as invitees, are allowed to go.

Title IX

Caledonia Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities which it operates. The policy extends to employment therein and admission thereto. This statement is published pursuant to the requirements of Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries concerning application of Title IX to Caledonia Community Schools may be referred to the District Coordinator of Title IX or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. A procedure for handling complaints based upon believed discrimination because of sex is on file in the district office.

Equal Education Opportunity

It is the policy of this school district to provide an equal education opportunity for all students. Any person who believes that he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of his/her race, color, disability, religion, gender, or national origin, while at school or a school activity should immediately contact the district’s personnel director at the Administration Offices.

Complaints will be investigated in accordance with the procedures as described in Board Policy 2260. Any student making a complaint or participating in a school investigation will be protected from any threat of retaliation. The personnel director can provide additional information concerning equal access to educational opportunity.

Individuals with Disabilities

The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide that no individual will be discriminated against on the basis of a disability. This protection applies not just to the student, but to all individuals who have access to the district’s programs and facilities.

A student can access special education services through the proper evaluation procedures. Parent involvement in this procedure is important and required by Federal (IDEA) and State law. Contact the principal to inquire about evaluation procedures and programs.

Directory of Information

Each year the Superintendent shall provide public notice to students and their parents of its intent to make available, upon request, certain information known as "directory information." The Board designates as student "directory information":

• a student's name;

• address;

• height and weight, if member of an athletic team;

• dates of attendance;

• date of graduation;

• honor rolls;

• telephone numbers only for inclusion in school or PTO directories;

• school photographs or videos of students participating in school activities, events or programs.

Requesting Directory Information Not Be Released

• Parents and eligible students may refuse to allow the District to disclose any or all of such "directory information" upon written notification to the District within ten (10) days after receipt of the District's public notice.

Address for FERPA

If a parent or legal guardian wishes to file a complaint in believing their rights under federal law (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment) have been violated, they may do so at the Caledonia Community Schools Administration Office.

Civil Rights Compliance

Caledonia Community School’s Civil Rights Compliance officer may be contacted at the Administration Office at (616)891-8185.