NEPN/NSBA Code: AC

NONDISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Lewiston Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of protected categories in its educational programs and activities, as required by federal and state laws/regulations. 

Discrimination against and harassment of employees, candidates for employment, and students because of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, familial status, genetic information, or disability are prohibited. 

“Race” includes traits associated with race, including hair texture, Afro hairstyles, and protective hairstyles, including braids, twists, and locs. 

“Sexual orientation” means a person’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality or homosexuality.

“Gender identity” means the gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, regardless of the individual’s assigned sex at birth.

The School Committee directs the school administration to implement a continuing program designed to prevent discrimination against all applicants, employees, students, and other individuals having access rights to school premises and activities. 

Lewiston Public Schools has designated and authorized an Affirmative Action Officer /Title IX Coordinator who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal and state requirements related to nondiscrimination, including sexual harassment. The Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator will be appointed by the Superintendent and will be a person with direct access to the Superintendent. 

Lewiston Public Schools has implemented procedures for resolving complaints of discrimination/harassment and sexual harassment under this policy. The school district provides required notices of these complaint procedures and how they can be accessed, as well as the school district’s compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations to all applicants for employment, employees, students, parents, and others, as appropriate. 

Legal Reference: 

Equal Employment Opportunities Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-261) amending Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000(e) et seq.) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.); 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX regulations)

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d) 

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.) 

Equal Pay Act of 1963 (29 U.S.C. § 206) 

Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.) as amended

Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.) as amended 

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. § 2000ff et seq.) 

Maine Human Rights Act (5 MRSA § 4551, et seq.), as amended 

Cross Reference: 

Lewiston Public Schools Affirmative Action Plan 

ACAA - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students

ACAA-R-Student Discrimination/Harassment and Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures 

ACAB - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of School Employees 

ACAB-R-Employee Discrimination/Harassment and Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures

Revised: July 12, 2021

Revised: January 30, 2023

Revised: May 13, 2024