What is Title IX?
As defined in Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Title IX is a federal law, enacted in 1972 states: 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.
The Rapid City Area School District is committed to providing a safe and secure working and learning environment, free from all forms of sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment. The purpose of the Title IX policy and procedure is to address Sexual Harassment (as defined in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972) that occurs within the educational programs and activities of the District, and to provide a grievance process for investigating and reaching a final Determination of Responsibility for a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment. Educational programs and activities include locations, events, or circumstances over which the District exercises substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which the Sexual Harassment occurs.
Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive financial assistance. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment, which is defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
- An employee of the District conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the District on participation in unwelcome conduct;
- Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s education program or activity;
- Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, as defined by applicable law.
Reporting Harassment/Discrimination
Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address, listed for the Title IX Coordinator.
Next Steps
After a report of sexual harassment has been made, the school and/or Title IX Coordinator will reach out to the individual affected by the alleged misconduct, provide supportive measures, discuss the grievance policy, and offer the opportunity for the complainant to file a formal complaint if the behavior meets the Title IX definition of sexual harassment. If a formal complaint is filed, appropriate steps will be taken to investigate. Upon completing the investigation, the outcome will be shared with all stakeholders.
Appeal Procedures
If a party does not agree with the final determination made by the school or has concerns of noncompliance with Title IX or actions that would be prohibited by Title IX, he/she may appeal the determination in accordance with School Board Policy AC.
Training Materials 2020-2021
- https://icslawyer.com/posting-for-review-k-12-virtual-certified-title-ix-coordinator/
- https://icslawyer.com/posting-for-review-k12-title-ix-basics/
- https://icslawyer.com/posting-for-review-k12-title-ix-investigator-decision-maker-level-1/
- https://icslawyer.com/posting-for-review-virtual-k12-informal-resolution/
Title IX Coordinator
625 9th Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
605-394-4014