Category: A: Foundations & Basic Agreements
The Districts do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, political party, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment by its programs and activities. The Districts’ policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, staff, and the public with whom it does business.
Background
Each school administrator shall designate a staff person who shall be responsible for investigating the complaint. The Superintendent shall designate an individual to fulfill this function for complaints received about the Central Office and/or District leadership.
Process
In the event that a student, staff person, or member of the public, including parents/guardians and volunteers, feels that he/she has been discriminated against, that individual may file a complaint with the District(s). The following process will be followed:
- All formal complaints and administrative responses should be in writing.
- The individual designated to receive discrimination filings for the school/district will attempt to resolve the complaint in a manner satisfactory to the concerned parties. This may involve, but shall not be limited to, individual meetings with the parties involved, interviews with third parties and review of materials.
- If the actions taken do not resolve the matter, the complaint will be reviewed and responded to by the Superintendent within 10 days of receiving notification that resolution was not achieved. The Superintendent may investigate further or may explore ways to resolve the matter.
- If the matter under investigation remains unsettled, the individual may contact the appropriate agencies for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Authorizing Document(s)
POLICY AC: Commitment To Nondiscrimination And Educational Equity
Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964;
Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; Executive Order 11246, as amended by E.O. 11375;
Equal Pay Act, as amended by the Education Amendments of 1972;
Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972; Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
M.G.L. 71B:1 et seq. (Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972);
M.G.L. 76:5; Amended 1993; M.G.L. 76:16 (Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971);
Board of Education Chapter 622 Regulations Pertaining to Access to Equal Educational Opportunity, adopted; 6/24/75, as amended 10/24/78;
Board of Education 603 CMR 26:00;
Board of Education Chapter 766 Regulations, adopted 10/74, as amended through 3/28/78
Updated:
July 2014