Title IX
Title IX Training Materials
Template for Notice of Allegations for Student Complainant
Template for Notice of Allegations for Student Respondent
Each student and employee has a right to learn and work in an environment that is free from unlawful discrimination. No District student or employee shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity or expression.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is one of several federal and state anti-discrimination laws that ensure equality in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding. Specifically, Title IX protects male and female pupils and employees, as well as transgender pupils and pupils who do not conform to sex stereotypes, against discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment. California law also prohibits discrimination based on gender, gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation. Under Title IX, pupils may not be discriminated against based on their parental, family, or marital status, and pregnant and parenting pupils may not be excluded from participating in any educational program, including extracurricular activities, for which they qualify.
Filing a Title IX Complaint
Students or parents/guardians should report their verbal or written Title IX complaint to the school administrator or District Title IX Coordinator within six months from the date the alleged incident occurred or first obtained knowledge. Complainants have a right to a timely and informal resolution at the school site.
All complaints shall be appropriately investigated in a timely manner. Within 10 business days after the compliance officer receives the complaint, the compliance officer, or designee, shall begin an investigation into the complaint. The investigation shall include an opportunity for the complainant, or the complainant’s representative, or both, to present the compliance officer, or designee, with any evidence, or information leading to evidence, to support the allegations in the complaint. The District shall issue a written decision based on the evidence within 60 calendar days from receipt of the written complaint by District.
Any complainant who is dissatisfied with the District's final written decision may file an appeal in writing with the California Department of Education within 15 calendar days of receiving District's decision.
Complaints made by or on behalf of students may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights within 180 calendar days of the date of the alleged discrimination, unless the time for filing is extended by the Office of Civil Rights for good cause shown under certain circumstances.
Student Rights Pursuant to CA Education Code Section 221.8
CA Education Code section 221.8 provides as follows:
The following list of rights, which are based on the relevant provisions of the federal regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.), may be used by the department for purposes of Section 221.6:
- You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
- You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
- You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
- You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.
- You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following:
- Equipment and supplies.
- Scheduling of games and practices
- Transportation and daily allowances
- Access to tutoring
- Coaching
- Locker rooms
- Practice and competitive facilities
- Medical and training facilities and services
- Publicity
- You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.
- You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
- You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights or the State 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.
- You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.
Title IX Coordinators
Matthew Rohrer, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resource
14120 Hawthorne Blvd.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
mrohrer@hawthornesd.org
310-676-2276
Rudy Salas, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
14120 Hawthorne Blvd.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
rsalas@hawthornesd.org
310-676-2276
Additional Resources
United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights
California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity