Title IX Policy
Forbidding Sex Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Students
In accordance with applicable law, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Indiana Civil Rights Law, it is the policy of Edison that no student will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any education program or activity on the basis of sex. A student may not, on the basis of sex, be limited in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity, including courses, extracurricular activities, benefits, and facilities.
Prohibition Against Sexual Harassment
The policy against sex discrimination includes a prohibition against sexual harassment. Sexual harassment consists of sexual advances, sexual gestures, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is unwelcome and that limits or denies, on the basis of sex, a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the education program.
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This policy prohibits sexual harassment by an employee or agent of IPS, by another student, and by third parties who come in contact with students at school or at school-related activities. This policy also prohibits any employee from being in a locked room with a student.
Edison is committed to providing a learning environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and conduct that can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive, including sexual harassment. Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual's sex will not be tolerated.
Discrimination or Harassment Based on Race, Color, Religion, Sex/Gender, National Origin, Age, Disability, or Genetic Information
Edison is committed to providing a productive learning environment, where all students can enjoy a workplace free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or any other status as protected by law.
Title IX Coordinator
Edison has designated a Title IX Coordinator, who has responsibility for Edison’s compliance with Title IX, including directing the investigation of complaints and reports of sex discrimination and harassment and assuring that prompt and effective corrective action is taken. Call Edison and ask for the Title IX Coordinator.
Reporting and Complaint Procedure
Any student who believes he or she has been discriminated against or harassed should immediately report the conduct to Edison core leadership team, teacher, counselor, social worker or other staff member. Students can raise concerns and make reports without fear of retaliation or discrimination.
If warranted, a report will be filed with the Department of Child Services. They will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation of all complaints which will be conducted in a timely and confidential manner as possible. The facts will determine Edison’s response to each allegation. Substantiated acts of harassment will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and recommended expulsion.
Any faculty member who becomes aware of possible harassment must immediately advise Edison so it can be investigated in a timely and confidential manner. In addition, any student who is a witness to harassment at the school is also expected to report the conduct to Edison’s core leadership team or faculty members.
Addressing Concerns
Your teachers, staff and members of Edison’s administration team are available to help students resolve misunderstandings. If students have a school-related problem, it should first be discussed with the staff member, not taken up on their own with violence or threats.
Investigation and Corrective Action
The Title IX Coordinator will promptly investigate, or direct the investigation of, complaints and reports of sex discrimination or harassment. The investigation will be completed in a timely manner, the time depending on the nature and complexity of the issues but generally taking no more than 30 days.
The Title IX Coordinator will assist the building principal in determining whether to take interim measures during the investigation and whether Edison is required to report the incident that is the subject of the complaint to Child Protective Services.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the Title IX Coordinator will report the result to the Superintendent, including, where appropriate, making a recommendation for reasonable, timely, age- appropriate, and effective corrective action. The Superintendent may impose discipline up to and including a recommendation for employee termination or student expulsion. The Title IX Coordinator will advise the Complainant and the person accused of misconduct, in writing, whether or not the allegations were found to be substantiated.
Except to the extent an employee or student has a statutory right to challenge the Superintendent’s recommendation for expulsion or termination or an employee has a collectively bargained right to challenge the imposition of discipline, the decision of the Superintendent is final.
Guidelines
The CEO/Executive Director is directed to promulgate administrative guidelines and arrange for appropriate training for implementation of this policy. The guidelines will include complaint procedures providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging sex discrimination or harassment of a student. This policy should be read in conjunction with IPS’ general anti harassment policy and procedures for reporting abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services.