Title IX
TITLE IX NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
SEX DISCRIMINATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED
The Northern Humboldt Union High School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations. The prohibition against discrimination on the basis of sex is required by federal law (20 USC 1681-1688; 34 CFR Part 106) and extends to employment. The district also prohibits retaliation against any student for filing a complaint or exercising any right granted under Title IX.
Title IX requires a school district to take immediate and appropriate action to address any potential Title IX violations that are brought to its attention. Any inquiries about the application of Title IX, this notice, and who is protected by Title IX may be referred to the district’s Title IX Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education or both.
The district has designated and authorized the following employee as the district's Title IX Coordinator to address concerns or inquiries regarding discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking:
Gayle Conway, Director of Student Services
NHUHSD District Office
2755 McKinleyville Avenue
McKinleyville, CA 95519
707-839-6481 (phone) 707-839-6457 (fax)
Contact information for the Office for Civil Rights for California is as follows:
San Francisco Office
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
50 United Nations Plaza
Mail Box 1200, Room 1545
San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: 415-486-5555
FAX: 415-486-5570; TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: [email protected]
A complaint to OCR can be made by using this form or by using OCR’s electronic complaint form available here.
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The district has adopted Title IX grievance procedures to comply with Title IX and 34 CFR 106.45. Note that, on January 9, 2025, a federal district court vacated the Title IX regulations that went into effect on August 1, 2024. As a result of the court decision, all public K-12 schools and districts must revert to the previous Title IX regulations (the "2020 Title IX Regulations"). As such, the district has reverted to the 2020 versions of its Title IX grievance procedures.
To view an electronic copy of the district's policies and administrative regulations on sexual harassment, including the Title IX grievance procedures at AR 5145.71 (students) and AR 4119.12/4219.12/4319.12 (employees), please see the district's policy manual, which can be located at: https://www.nohum.org/apps/pages/board-policies
To obtain a copy of the district's policies and administrative regulations on sexual harassment, please contact: Superintendent's Secretary, 707-839-6481 or [email protected]. Materials used to train the Title IX Coordinator, investigator(s), decision-maker(s), and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process are also publicly available on the district's web site or at the district office upon request.
REPORT ANY CONCERNS ABOUT SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person's verbal or written report. During district business hours, reports may also be made in person. Upon receiving an allegation of sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator will promptly notify the parties, in writing, of the applicable complaint procedure.
TRAINING MATERIALS
Materials used to train employees as required under Title IX will be made available for inspection upon request to the Title IX Coordinator.
Further information about Title IX can be located at:
File a Complaint: Discrimination Complaint Form (Online) (U.S. Department of Education)
File a Complaint: Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF) (U.S. Department of Education)
OVERVIEW OF TITLE IX GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES (2020)
The district has adopted Title IX grievance procedures to comply with Title IX and 34 CFR 106.45.
Note that, on January 9, 2025, a federal district court vacated the Title IX regulations that went into effect on August 1, 2024. As a result of the court decision, all public K-12 schools and districts must revert to the previous Title IX regulations (the "2020 Title IX Regulations"). As such, the district has reverted to the 2020 versions of its Title IX grievance procedures.
Prohibited Conduct
Title IX prohibits the following types of sex discrimination:
Quid Pro Quo Harassment: A district employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the recipient on an individual's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
Hostile Environment Harassment: Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient's education program or activity; or
Specific Offenses: Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking (all as defined under federal law).
Title IX Complaints vs. UCP Complaints
It is important to note that, even if allegations do not meet the definition of sexual harassment under Title IX, they may fall within the scope of the Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP). Information about the the district’s Uniform Complaint Procedures can be located at: https://www.nohum.org/apps/pages/board-policies
There is no time limit on making a complaint of sexual harassment as defined under Title IX. However, we encourage victims to make a report as soon as possible so we can offer immediate support and conduct the most effective investigation possible.
What Happens When a Title IX Complaint Is Made?
Here is a brief overview of the district’s Title IX grievance procedures:
- The Title IX Coordinator will determine whether a complaint or allegation meets the definition of sexual harassment under Title IX.
- The Title IX Coordinator will inform the complainant of the right to file a formal complaint and the process for filing a formal complaint.
- The Title IX Coordinator will reach out to the complainant to offer supportive measures.
- A student may not be disciplined for alleged sexual harassment under Title IX until the investigation has been completed.
- The respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct until a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the complaint process.
- During the investigation process, the district's designated investigator will provide an equal opportunity for the parties to present witnesses.
- The decision-maker may not be the same person as the investigator or the Title IX Coordinator.
- A written decision as to whether the respondent is responsible for the alleged conduct will be provided to both parties.
For more information about the district’s Title IX grievance procedures, please refer to AR 5145.71 (for students) and AR 4119.12/4219.12/4319.12 (for employees): https://www.nohum.org/apps/pages/board-policies
STUDENT RIGHTS UNDER TITLE IX
What is Title IX? Title IX is a federal law that protects against sex discrimination at school. This includes protection against discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
What are my rights under Title IX?
You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against or harassed based on your sex.
You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.
You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following:
(1) Equipment and supplies.
(2) Scheduling of games and practices.
(3) Transportation and daily allowances.
(4) Access to tutoring.
(5) Coaching.
(6) Locker rooms.
(7) Practice and competitive facilities.
(8) Medical and training facilities and services.
(9) Publicity.
You have the right to have access to the Title IX Coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.
You have the right to contact the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights or the California Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex.
You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.
(See Education Code 221.8 (List of Rights))
California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity
Note that California law entitles pregnant and parenting students to accommodations that provide them with the opportunity to succeed academically while protecting their health and the health of their children. See Education Code 46015