Non-Discrimination Policy at Sonora Elementary School District

Sonora Elementary School District is committed to providing a safe and inclusive educational environment that fosters respect, equality, and understanding for all students, staff, parents, and community members. The district prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived characteristics, including but not limited to, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, immigration-related documents, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

This non-discrimination policy applies to all district programs, activities, and services, including, but not limited to, educational programs, extracurricular activities, athletics, employment, and access to facilities. The district is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all individuals and will take immediate and appropriate action to address any instances of discrimination or harassment.

Prohibited Conduct

The following actions are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary measures, up to and including expulsion, termination of employment, or legal action, as applicable:

1. Discrimination: Treating individuals differently or denying them equal opportunities based on their protected characteristics.
2. Harassment: Engaging in unwelcome conduct based on a person’s protected characteristics that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive educational or work environment.
3. Intimidation: Willfully causing fear, distress, or harm to individuals based on their protected characteristics.
4. Bullying: Repeatedly and intentionally targeting an individual with written, verbal, or physical actions that cause harm, fear, or discomfort based on their protected characteristics.

Complaint Procedures

Sonora Elementary School District has established procedures for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Any student, employee, parent, or community member who believes they have been subjected to or witnessed such conduct is strongly encouraged to report the incident promptly to a teacher, school administrator, or the district’s designated compliance officer.

The district will promptly and thoroughly investigate all complaints in accordance with its established procedures and will take appropriate action to address any verified instances of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible, consistent with the district’s legal obligations and the necessity to conduct a thorough investigation.

Retaliation Prohibited

Sonora Elementary School District strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against any individual who reports, files a complaint, or participates in an investigation regarding discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Retaliatory actions, including but not limited to, adverse treatment, threats, or coercion, will be met with appropriate disciplinary measures.

Training and Awareness

Sonora Elementary School District is committed to providing ongoing training and professional development to ensure all employees, including teachers, administrators, and support staff, are knowledgeable about their responsibilities under this non-discrimination policy and California laws. The district will also educate students, parents, and the community about their rights and responsibilities related to nondiscrimination and will promote awareness of diversity, tolerance, and inclusion.

Compliance with Laws

Sonora Elementary School District’s non-discrimination policy is in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and the California Education Code.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the district’s non-discrimination policy, wish to file a complaint, or need further information, please contact:

Cheryl Griffiths
Superintendent
830 Greenley Road, Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-5491
cgriffiths@sesk12.org

You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for additional support or to file a complaint. The OCR is responsible for enforcing federal civil rights laws in educational institutions. Their contact information is as follows:

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education

Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Bldg
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100

(800) 421-3481
OCR@ed.gov

Sonora Elementary School District is dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, equality, and inclusivity for all members of our school community. We strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Together, we can ensure that discrimination has no place within our district and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.