Title IX

Title IX Guidelines

PLAINFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

TITLE IX NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

 

I. Statutory Authority and Core Mandate

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106):

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

II. Statement of Policy

 

The Plainfield Board of Education is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and strictly prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all of its educational programs, activities, admissions, and employment practices.

Discrimination or harassment based on any protected class—including race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or past or present physical or mental disability—is strictly prohibited under Board policy and applicable state and federal laws.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests or demands for sexual favors, sexual comments, gestures, or other physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

  1. Quid Pro Quo: Submission to such conduct is made, explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual's educational success or employment.
  2. Decision-Making Basis: Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for educational or employment decisions affecting the individual.
  3. Hostile Environment: Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic or work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
 

III. Designated Title IX Coordinator

Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, or complaints alleging sex discrimination or sexual harassment, should be directed to the District Title IX Coordinator:

  • Name: Natasha Hutchinson
  • Title: Assistant Superintendent / District Title IX Coordinator
  • Address: Plainfield Public Schools Central Office
  • Phone: (860) 564-6457
 

IV. External Inquiries & OCR Contact

Inquiries regarding non-compliance or filing a complaint with an external agency may be directed directly to the United States Department of Education:

Office for Civil Rights (OCR) – Region I (Boston Office)

U.S. Department of Education

5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor

Boston, MA 02109-3921

Telephone: (617) 289-0111

FAX: (617) 289-0150 | TDD: (877) 521-2172


V. Title IX Grievance Procedures

The Plainfield Board of Education has established the following grievance procedure to secure prompt, equitable, and confidential resolutions to complaints alleging Title IX violations at the lowest possible administrative level.

  • Scope: Available to all students, employees, parents/guardians, and participants in Plainfield School System programs.
  • Confidentiality: All complaints and proceedings will remain strictly confidential to the maximum extent permitted by law, respecting the privacy of all involved parties.
 

Step-by-Step Grievance Process

Level Authority Timeline & Process
Level One Building Principal / Building Title IX Coordinator
If informal resolution is unsuccessful or unacceptable, the complainant may submit a formal written grievance to the Building Principal.



Decision: The Principal shall issue a written decision with rationale to the complainant (with a copy to the Superintendent) within fifteen (15) days of receipt.
Level Two District Title IX Coordinator
If unsatisfied with Level One, or if no decision is rendered within 15 days, the complainant may submit a written grievance to the District Title IX Coordinator.



Timing: Level Two filing may occur at any point during the applicable fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).
Level Three Superintendent of Schools / Board Chairperson
If unsatisfied with Level Two, or if no decision is rendered within 15 days of meeting with the Coordinator, the complainant may file a written appeal with the Chairperson of the Plainfield Board of Education.



Conference: Within twenty (20) school days of receipt, the Superintendent shall meet with the aggrieved party and the District Coordinator.



Final Decision: The Superintendent shall issue a formal written decision within fifteen (15) school days following the Level Three meeting.