Title IX

Overview

What is Title IX?

Title IX, enacted in 1972, is a landmark federal law designed to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all students and employees in educational settings, regardless of sex. It prohibits discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, and promotes fairness in education.

At High Tech High, our commitment to equity extends beyond federal requirements. Our anti-discrimination policies explicitly protect transgender students and those who do not conform to traditional gender stereotypes. Additionally, state law reinforces these protections by prohibiting discrimination based on gender (sex), gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

The preamble to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 affirms this principle, stating:

 "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."

Support

HTH's priority is to provide safe and supportive learning and work environments for all students and employees. Students and employees who have experienced sexual harassment or discrimination are provided with non-punative, supportive measures regardless of whether they request an investigation. 

Process

HTH follows the process required by Federal Law to investigate and resolve Title IX measures under the current 2020 Regulations. Our goal is to make this process as simple as possible for both Complainants (individuals who have allegedly been sexually harassed or discriminated against) and Respondents (individuals accused of sexual harassment or discrmination). 

Policy

HTH has a Title IX and Non Discrimination Policy that is annually board reviewed and updated as needed based on Federal guidance. HTH follows this policy when investigating and resolving Title IX matters. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report a Title IX Concern?
You can make a Title IX report several ways. If you tell a mandatory reporter (HTH employee) that you are experiencing sexual harassment or other prohibited conduct, they are required to report that information to the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator, or their designee, will reach out to you and/or your guardian to offer resources. You can also self-report to HERE [add link], call the office at 760-759-2705, email at cgreen@hightechhigh.org  or come to the Title IX Coordinator at her office at HTHNC to report information.

Can I make a report to Title IX and get assistance with supportive measures even if the Respondent is not affiliated with HTH schools?
Yes, you can!


What is a No Contact Directive?
A No Contact Directive ("NCD") is a written directive offered through Title IX. The purpose of the NCD is to stop all communication between two or more parties, with the goal of helping the parties move forward in a supportive and successful way. NCDs are often issued when one party wishes to have no further communication with another party, or when HTH determines that two or more people need to have no further communication due to alleged prohibited conduct or other safety concerns. A NCD is not a finding of responsibility, and it does not mean that either party is in trouble. If one party reports a violation of the NCD, school administrators will investigate the report and recommend some type of sanction if it determines a party violated the directive.


Is reporting to Title IX the same as reporting to law enforcement?
No, Title IX is separate from law enforcement. Some reported behaviors may require mandatory reports to law enforcement; therefore the school employee will report the behavior immediately. You may, at any time, report to law enforcement. If there are both law enforcement and Title IX investigations, the investigations will operate separately and simultaneously. law enforcement will collaborate as much as possible and permissible within the law.


What happens if I am accused?

If a formal complaint has been filed and an investigation initiated, you will be provided with a Notice of Allegations against you. This will include all opportunities and rights for you as a party. You will receive supportive measures throughout the process and the opportunity to bring an advisor of your choice with you to all meetings. 

References:

Nondiscrimination Statement

HTH does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ethnic group identification, immigration status or citizenship, race, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, religious affiliation, creed, mental or physical disability, age, parental, family, marital status, and any other or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment, admission, or educational program or activities. Additional information, including the unlawful harassment policy and complaint procedures for persons alleging discrimination on basis of any of the protected classifications can be viewed here.