Title IX: Prohibiting Sex-Based Discrimination
Pupil and Public Rights Under Title IX Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a federal law prohibiting 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 RCOE.
Title IX protects all participants in RCOE’s educational programs and activities, including students, parents, employees, and job applicants. RCOE 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 an overview of all RCOE’s nondiscrimination policies and the following specific policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment:
- Non-Discrimination in Employment – Board Policy 4030
- Non-Discrimination in Programs and Activities – Board Policy 0410.3
- Sexual Harassment Employees – Administrative Regulation 4119.11.01/4129.01/4319.01
- Non-Discrimination Harassment (Students) – Board Policy 5145.3
- Sexual Harassment (Students) – Board Policy 5145.7
- Sexual Harassment (Students) – Administrative Regulation 5145.7
- Uniform Complaint Procedures – Board Policy 1312.3
- Uniform Complaint Procedures – Administrative Regulation 1312.3
Information provided here applies to every RCOE school site and all RCOE programs and activities.
Pupil and Public Rights Under Title IX
- You have the right to fair and equitable treatment, and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex, pregnancy, or related condition.
- You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic and extracurricular activities, including athletics.
- You have the right to have access to a sex/gender equity coordinator, referred to as the Title IX Coordinator (find contact information below), 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.
- If you file a discrimination complaint, you have the right to be protected against retaliation (California Education Code § 221.8).
Filing a Complaint
A complaint alleging unlawful discrimination or retaliation must be filed no later than six months from the date the discrimination or retaliation occurred or six months from when the complainant first learned of the unlawful discrimination. The Superintendent or designee may extend this timeline by up to 90 days for good cause upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the extension.
A student, parent, guardian, employee, individual, or organization may file an oral or written complaint alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or bullying on the basis of a protected characteristic under RCOE’s Uniform Complaint Procedure by sending a complaint to RCOE’s Title IX Coordinator.
Title IX Coordinator
Riverside County Office of Education Title IX
RCOE’s Title IX coordinator oversees compliance with Title IX requirements and promotes sex equity in RCOE programs. For any incidents or concerns related to Title IX, please immediately notify the department/site Title IX Coordinator, or you may contact the RCOE Division of Personnel Services Title IX Coordinator.
Personnel Services Title IX Coordinator
Executive Director Personnel Services, Dion Clark
(951) 826-6653
dclark@rcoe.us
3939 Thirteenth Street, Riverside, CA, 92501
For additional resources and information regarding Title IX, please visit the RCOE website at the following URL: https://www.rcoe.us/departments/personnel-services/title-ix. On the website, you will find Title IX training materials and all related policies.
How RCOE Investigates Complaints
Complaints filed under RCOE’s Uniform Complaint Procedure will be investigated, and a decision will be made within sixty calendar days of the RCOE’s receipt unless the complainant agrees to an extension. RCOE’s compliance officer or designee may conduct the investigation or choose an investigator to interview alleged victims, alleged offenders, and relevant witnesses. The compliance officer and/or investigator may choose to review available records, statements, or notes related to the complaint, including evidence or information received from the parties during the investigation. The compliance officer and/or investigator may visit reasonably accessible locations where discrimination is alleged to have occurred. As appropriate, RCOE’s compliance officer periodically will inform the parties of the status of the investigation. The complainant will be notified when a decision is made. Complaints that are not filed under RCOE’s Uniform Complaint Procedure will be investigated and decided pursuant to the applicable procedure.
What Happens After the Investigation
The compliance officer will prepare and send a final written decision to the complainant and respondent, if any, within sixty (60) working days of RCOE’s receipt of the complaint (unless this deadline is extended by mutual agreement).
The complainant or respondent may appeal RCOE’s decision to the California Department of Education within fifteen calendar days. The appeal must specify the reason for the appeal and whether RCOE’s facts are incorrect and/or the law is misapplied. It must also include a copy of the original complaint to RCOE and a copy of RCOE’s decision.
For complaints alleging unlawful discrimination based on state law, the complainant may pursue available civil law remedies, including seeking assistance from mediation centers or public/private interest attorneys, sixty calendar days after filing an appeal with the California Department of Education. (California Education Code § 262.3.) Note that this sixty-day moratorium does not apply to complaints seeking injunctive relief in state courts or discrimination complaints based on federal law. (California Education Code § 262.3.)
Complaints may also be filed with the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.
If the compliance officer finds that a complaint has merit, RCOE will take appropriate corrective action. For more information regarding Title IX and sex equity in education or RCOE employment, please contact RCOE’s Title IX coordinator.
Updated 6/7/2024