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Discrimination

�������� Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth
groups. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Keith Schacht, 504 Coordinator, keith.schacht@bellinghamschools.org, 360-676-2787;
Keith Schacht, Civil Rights Coordinator, keith.schacht@bellinghamschools.org, 360-676-2787
Keith Schacht, Harassment,��Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) Compliance Officer, keith.schacht@bellinghamschools.org, 360-676-2787

Laura Cardinal, Title IX Coordinator laura.cardinal@bellinghamschools.org, 360-676-6455;

Janis Velasquez Farmer, Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator, janis.velasquezfarmer@bellinghamschools.org, 360-676-6532.

You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district’s coordinators, listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district’s nondiscrimination policy and procedure, contact your school or district office or view Policy and Procedure 3210 online.

 

Our School Stands Against Discrimination��

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.����

 

What is discriminatory harassment?��

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.��

Please review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210��and Procedure 3210.

 

What is sexual harassment?��

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.��

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.��

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.��

Please review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and�� Procedure 3205.��

 

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?��

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.��

 

What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?��

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.��

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Concerns about discrimination:����

Civil Rights Coordinator: Keith Schacht, (360) 676-2787, Keith.Schacht@bellinghamschools.org

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Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:����

Title IX Coordinator:�� Laura Cardinal, (360) 676-6455, Laura.Cardinal@bellinghamschools.org

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Concerns about disability discrimination:����

Section 504 Coordinator: Keith Schacht, (360) 676-2787, Keith.Schacht@bellinghamschools.org

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Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:����

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Janis Velasquez Farmer, (360) 676-6532, Janis.VelasquezFamer@bellinghamschools.org��

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To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.����

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What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?��

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.��

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When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:����

• A summary of the results of the investigation����

• A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws����

• Any corrective measures or remedies needed����

• Notice about how you can appeal the decision��

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What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?��

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to [identify the decision maker on appeal identified in board policy (e.g., the School Board)] and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P).��

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I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?��

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it’s related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) to fully resolve your complaint.��

 

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?��

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)��

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.��

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OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)��

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center����

• Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us��

• Phone: 360-725-6068��

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OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)��

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights����

• Email: equity@k12.wa.us��

• Phone: 360-725-6162��

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Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)��

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.����

• Website: ����

• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov����

• Phone: 1-866-297-2597��

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)��

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.��

• Website: ����

• Email: orc@ed.gov����

• Phone: 800-421-3481

 

Our School is Gender-Inclusive��

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:��

• Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change��

• Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records��

• Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity��

• Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity��

• Keep health and education information confidential and private��

• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender��

• Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity��

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Please review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211��and Procedure 3211. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:����

Janis Velasquez Farmer, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, (360) 676-6532, Janis.VelasquezFarmer@bellinghamschools.org.

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For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information above.��