Statment of Non-Discrimination Policy

The School Board of Lee County, Florida does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination on the basis of:

• Race (including anti-Semitism)
• Color
• Ethnicity
• National origin
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identification
• Gender expression
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Pregnancy
• Marital status
• Age (except as authorized by law)
• Religion
• Military status
• Socioeconomic status
• Linguistic preference
• Genetic information
• Ancestry

or any other reason protected under applicable federal, state or local law in the provision of educational programs, activities or employment policies as required by:

• Title II
• Title VI
• Title VII Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Title IX of the United States Education Amendments of 1972
• (ADEA) Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
• (IDEA) Individuals with Disabilities Act
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992
• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
• (ADAAA) Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• (ADA) and the Amendment Act of 2008
• Florida Educational Equity Act of 1984

The School Board also provides equal access of its facilities to youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act. Any sections of the District’s collectively bargained, negotiated agreements dealing with hiring, promotion and tenure will contain a statement of nondiscrimination similar to that in the Board’s statement above.

As required by Florida’s Educational Equity Act, the Superintendent shall submit an annual equity report addressing the District’s educational and employment practices. The School Board of Lee County, Florida, prohibits retaliation by any District personnel against a person for reporting, filing or being a witness in a discrimination charge (including harassment), complaint, investigation or lawsuit associated or in connection with this policy. Established grievance procedures and appropriate discrimination complaint forms are available from the Office of Civil Rights & Equity, Academic and Student Support Services or the Equity Coordinator at each school.

Complaints/inquiries regarding compliance with these regulations may be submitted in writing to:

Discrimination Grievance Policy

If a student feels he/she has been discriminated against, he/she may appeal a decision based upon any policy or procedure. First, the student is to discuss the matter with his/her teacher, site-based equity coordinator or school counselor. If the conflict still exists, the student should then discuss the matter with a School Administrator. If the conflict is not resolved the student may appeal to the Director of Positive Prevention at (239) 939-6858. After review at this level and if the student is not satisfied with the resolution, an appeal may be submitted in writing to the Executive Director of Student Services, 2855 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33966, followed by the Superintendent of Lee County Schools, and finally the School Board of Lee County.

See School Board of Lee County Policy 2260.

If a student feels his/her concerns have not been satisfied at the local level, the student is free to contact the U.S. Department of Education.

Office for Civil Rights, Atlanta Office, Southern Division

61 Forsyth Street, S.W., Suite 3B70

Atlanta, GA 30303-8909

Telephone: (404) 974-9406

Facsimile: (404) 974-9471

Email: [email protected]

9 Things to Know About Title IX

Education Amendments Act of 1972

1. Title IX is a civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational settings.
2. Title IX applies to all students, families, employees and community members, regardless of gender identity, who participate in school district-sponsored programs, activities and services.
3. Schools may not retaliate against someone for filing a complaint and must keep all parties involved in a complaint safe from other retaliatory harassment.
4. Schools are responsible for implementing remedial measures to address any founded instances of sexual harassment, including ensuring that no student is required to share campus spaces (classes, ball courts, etc.) with the perpetrator of harassment.
5. Schools can issue no-contact directives to prevent accused students from approaching or interacting with a complainant.
6. Schools must be proactive in ensuring that campuses are free from sex-based discrimination.
7. Schools must provide for equitable access to academic courses and extracurricular activities.
8. All schools receiving federal funding, including public K-12 schools, are subject to Title IX.
9. Schools must have an established procedure for handling complaints of sexual discrimination, harassment and violence.