Know About Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment
Support a Safe Learning Environment for All Students & Staff
Our Schools Stand Against Discrimination
Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because of a protected status, including their race, ethnicity, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, homelessness, religion, creed, disability, neurodivergence, 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 behavior that is threatening, harmful or humiliating. It happens when the behavior is based on a student’s protected status and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when behavior 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 discrimination and discriminatory harassment or actions, review Policy 3210-Nondiscrimination or Procedure 3210P1. You may call the district administrative office at (509) 937-2771 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 seriously 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 accept unwelcome sexual behavior or communication to receive something in return, such as a better grade or a place on a sports team.
Examples of sexual harassment can include:
- pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors
- unwelcome sexual touching
- written, graphic or electronic messages that are sexual in nature
- sharing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
- making sexual jokes, spreading rumors, or making suggestive comments
- physical violence, including rape and sexual assault
Our schools do not discriminate based on sex. We prohibit sex discrimination in all education programs, activities, and employment, as required by Title IX and state law, including on the school bus and off campus activities.
To fully understand your responsibilities regarding sexual harassment, review district Policy 3205-Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited and related Procedure 3205P1. You may contact the district administrative office at (509) 937-2771 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 Policy 5011-Sexual Harassment of Staff Prohibited and Procedure 5011P1. You may contact the district administrative office at (509) 937-2771 to request a paper or electronic copy or translated information.
What should my district/school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?
When a school learns about possible discriminatory harassment or sexual harassment, it must investigate and take steps to stop the unwanted behavior. The school must address any effects of the harassment on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and prevent the harassment from happening 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 to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns. If English isn’t your first language, you can request an interpreter or prepare the complaint in your language. If you have a disability and need accommodations to make a complaint, let the school know your disability needs.
Concerns about discrimination and gender discrimination:
Compliance Coordinator: Dr. Brent Osborn, Superintendent
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 Resources Director
Danielle.Tupek@valleysd.org
(509) 937-2773
3030 Huffman Road, Valley, WA 99181
Concerns about disability discrimination:
Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Katherine Blair, Special Services Director
Katherine.Blair@valleysd.org
(509) 937-2678
3030 Huffman Road, Valley, WA 99181
Affirmative Action Policy:
- 5010-Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action
- 5010F1-Affirmative Action Plan
- 5010P1-Equal Employment Opportunity-Grievances
- 5010P2-Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action
To submit a written complaint, describe the behavior or incident that you believe may be discriminatory. 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 so the school district can investigate it promptly. You must submit your complaint within one year of the behavior 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 school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. The response will include:
- A summary of the investigation results.
- A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws.
- Any corrective actions or remedies that are needed.
- Information about how to appeal the decision.
What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
If you disagree 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 be discrimination if it is based on a protected status. 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 (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) to fully address your concerns.
Refer to the page Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns for additional assistance.