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 Educational Amendments of 1972 is one of several federal and state anti-discrimination laws that ensure equality in education. Title IX prohibits discrimination, harassment, exclusion, denial, limitation, or separation based on sex or gender. Title IX applies to both male and female students in any educational institution receiving federal funding.
Pregnant students and teen parents have a right to equal education, full participation, and to enroll in any school or program for which they would otherwise qualify at any stage of the pregnancy. They have the right to remain in their regular or current school program, including elementary or secondary schools, honors and magnet programs, special education and non-public school placements, alternative/options programs, migrant education, free and reduced lunch programs, and services for English learners, and any others for which they are otherwise qualified. This would also include participation in the following: graduation, awards, ceremonies; field trips; student clubs, councils, after-school activities, and any other school-related programs. Students cannot legally be expelled, suspended, or otherwise excluded from, or required to participate in, school programs solely on the basis of their pregnancy-related conditions, or marital or parental status.
California Education Code Sections 200 through 282 and Los Angeles Unified School District Board Policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender. Title IX requires that every school district or institution have a Title IX/Bullying Complaint Manager to whom concerns or complaints regarding sex discrimination can be made.
Complaint Process
Students or parents/guardians should report their verbal or written Title IX complaint to the school principal 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.
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the school-site decision, the complainant may file a written uniform complaint with our district office. This will begin the investigation process, which must be complete within 60 days. An appeal of the district compliance officer’s findings may be made to the California Department of Education - Office of Equal Opportunity.
Where Can Students/Parents Obtain Further Information or Assistance?
Who is the Title IX Coordinator for the Upland Unified School District?
Where Can I Get More Information on the Rights of a Pupil and the Public and the Responsibilities of the Public School under Title IX?
The following Internet resources are available to find more information regarding rights and responsibilities under Title IX:
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing an Alleged Incident of Harassment or Discrimination?
Any parent, guardian, individual, or organization has the right to file a written complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying on the basis of a protected characteristic within six months from the date the alleged incident occurred or the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged incident.
How May a Discrimination Complaint Be Filed beyond the Statute of Limitations?
The timeline for filing a complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying is extended by the superintendent or designee, upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the extension. Such extension by the superintendent or designee shall be in writing. The superintendent or designee may extend the period for filing for good cause for a period not to exceed 90 days following the expiration of the six month time period. The superintendent shall respond immediately upon a receipt of a request for extension.
How Are Discrimination Complaints Investigated?
The district’s compliance officer, located in the Human Resources Office, timestamps new complaints of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying when received and provides an acknowledgment letter framing the allegations under the jurisdiction of the Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) and referring a complainant to appropriate offices and resources for issues not under UCP jurisdiction. The investigator assigned has 60 calendar days from office receipt to investigate the complaint and to send a letter with findings to relevant parties. The 60-day timeline may be extended only by mutual agreement of the complainant and the district. During the investigative process, the investigator contacts the complainant and other applicable parties requesting data and responses. The district includes an opportunity for the complainant to present evidence or information to support the allegations. The district will ensure that, within 60 days of receipt of the written complaint, the complaint has been resolved and/or investigated, and that a written report of findings is issued to the complainant. The written report of the investigative findings contains the allegations, method of investigation, policy, findings, conclusions, appeal options, and corrective actions, if applicable.
How May I File a Discrimination Complaint?
Any individual, public agency, or organization may file a written complaint alleging a violation by the district of federal or state laws or regulations governing the programs and activities, as well as allegations of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, under the district’s Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) by sending the complaint to:
Human Resources Department
390 N Euclid Avenue
Upland, CA 91786
Phone: (909) 985-1864 ext. 229
Fax: (909) 949-7863
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A complaint may be filed anonymously if it provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance. Complainants making a verbal complaint shall be referred to an administrator/designee who will assist any person with a disability or unable to prepare a written complaint. Otherwise, a discrimination complaint may be filed with the Office for Civil Rights:
San Francisco Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
Phone: (415) 486-5555
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