Our Schools Stand Against Discrimination
Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.
What is discriminatory harassment?
Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating.
Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.
To fully understand your rights and responsibilities regarding discriminatory harassment or actions, review the full text of district Policy 3210-Nondiscrimination or Procedure 3210P1. You may call the district administrative office at (509) 937-2791 and request a paper or electronic copy or translated information.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment.
Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.
Examples of sexual harassment can include:
- pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors
- unwelcome touching of a sexual nature
- graphic or written statements of a sexual nature
- distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
- making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks
- physical violence, including rape and sexual assault
Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and activities, including on the school bus and off campus activities, as required by Title IX and state law.
To fully understand your responsibilities regarding sexual harassment of students, review district Policy 3205-Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited and Procedure 3205P1. You may contact the district administrative office at (509) 937-2791 to request a paper or electronic copy or translated information.
Sexual Harassment of Staff Prohibited
Similarly, all unwelcome conduct or communication with a district/school employee that is sexual in nature is prohibited. Report any sexual harassment to a school staff member or to the district's Title IX Liaison, Human Resource Director Danielle Tupek at (509) 937-2773 or Danielle.Tupek@valleysd.org.
To fully understand your responsibilities regarding sexual harassment of employees, review district Policy 5011-Sexual Harassment of Staff Prohibited and Procedure 5011P1. You may contact the district administrative office at (509) 937-2791 to request a paper or electronic copy or translated information.
What should my district/school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?
When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.
What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?
Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.
Concerns about discrimination, gender discrimination, or disability discrimination:
Compliance Coordinator: Dr. Mandi Rehn, Superintendent
(Civil Rights/Section 504/ADA) compliance@valleysd.org
(509) 937-2771; FAX (509) 937-2691
3030 Huffman Road, Valley, WA 99181
Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
Title IX Liaison: Danielle Tupek, Human Resource Director
Danielle.Tupek@valleysd.org
(509) 937-2773
3030 Huffman Road, Valley, WA 99181
Affirmative Action Policy:
To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.
What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within thirty (30) calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.
When the investigation is complete, the Superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:
- A summary of the results of the investigation
- A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
- Any corrective measures or remedies needed
- Notice about how you can appeal the decision
What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the School Board and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P1) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P1).
I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my district/school do?
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P1) and the HIB Procedure (3207P1) to fully resolve your complaint.
Refer to the page Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns for additional assistance.
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