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Title IX Information

Title IX Coordinators

Jason Strickland (students)
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services 
714 N. White St.
Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 585-3642
jstrickland@hanfordesd.org

 

Jaime Martinez (employees/applicants)
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
714 N. White St.
Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 585-3609
jmartinez@hanfordesd.org

 

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that states:

“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 education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” 

Title IX protects all participants in educational programs and activities, including students, parents/guardians, employees, and applicants for employment. 

Title IX applies to educational programs and activities, athletics, employment, admissions and recruitment, access to facilities, and allegations of sex-based discrimination and sexual harassment. 

Hanford Elementary School District is committed to providing equal, fair, and meaningful access to educational programs, services, and employment opportunities. The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program, activity, or employment practice and is dedicated to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying

Rights Under Title IX

Title IX protects students, employees, and other participants in educational programs and activities from discrimination on the basis of sex. Hanford Elementary School District is committed to ensuring equal access to educational opportunities, programs, services, and employment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and retaliation. 

Student Rights Under Title IX

Students have the right to:

  • Be treated fairly and equitably regardless of sex.
  • Participate in all academic, extracurricular, and athletic programs without discrimination. 
  • Learn in an environment free from sex-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
  • Receive equal access to school facilities, programs, services, and opportunities. 
  • File a complaint if they believe their rights under Title IX have been violated. 

Employee Rights Under Title IX

Employees and applicants for employment have the right to:

  • Be free from discrimination based on sex in recruitment, hiring, assignments, compensation, training, promotion, and other employment practices. 
  • Work in an environment free from sex-based harassment and retaliation. 
  • Report concerns or file complaints regarding alleged Title IX violations without fear of retaliation. 

Protection from Sex Discrimination and Harassment

Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination and harassment in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Prohibited conduct may include unequal treatment, sex-based harassment, sexual violence, pregnancy-related discrimination, and retaliation for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation. 

Equal Access to Educational Programs and Activities

All students are entitled to equal access to educational programs, activities, services, counseling, and extracurricular activities without discrimination based on sex. 

Athletics, Pregnancy, and Gender Equity Rights

Title IX provides protections to ensure:

  • Equal opportunities in athletics and school-sponsored sports programs. 
  • Fair access to athletic benefits, facilities, coaching, equipment, and participation opportunities. 
  • Protection from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, recovery from childbirth, or parental status. 
  • Equal educational opportunities regardless of sex under California's Sex Equity in Education Act. 

California Education Code § 221.8 Pupil Rights

Under California Education Code § 221.8, pupils have the right to:

  • Fair and equitable treatment and freedom from discrimination based on sex. 
  • Equitable opportunities to participate in all academic and extracurricular activities, including athletics. 
  • Information regarding athletic opportunities available at their school. 
  • Equitable treatment in the provision of equipment, supplies, scheduling, transportation, coaching, facilities, publicity, and other athletic benefits. 
  • Contact the District's Title IX Coordinator regarding questions about Title IX rights and protections. 
  • File complaints with the California Department of Education (CDE) or the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and be protected from retaliation for doing so. 

Title IX Complaint Procedures

Hanford Elementary School District encourages students, parents/guardians, employees, and community members to report concerns involving sex-based discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other conduct prohibited by Title IX. Complaints may be filed with the District's Title IX Coordinators. 

How to File a Title IX Complaint

Any student, parent/guardian, employee, applicant, or member of the public who believes they have experienced or witnessed conduct prohibited by Title IX may submit a complaint to the District's Title IX Coordinators. Complaints may be submitted in person, by email, or telephone. 

To assist in the investigation, complainants should provide:

  • A description of the alleged conduct.
  • The names of the individuals involved, if known.
  • The date, time, and location of the incident(s), if known.
  • The names of witnesses, if any.
  • Any available evidence or documentation. 

Time Limits for Filing a Complaint

Individuals are encouraged to report concerns as soon as possible so the District can respond promptly and effectively. Complaints alleging sex discrimination or sex-based harassment may be addressed under Title IX, the Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP), or both, depending on the allegations.

Under the UCP, complaints generally must be filed within six (6) months of the alleged conduct or the date the complainant first became aware of it, unless an extension is permitted by law. 

Title IX does not establish a specific deadline for reporting conduct to the District. However, delays in reporting may affect the availability of evidence and the District's ability to investigate. 

Individuals may also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), subject to applicable OCR filing requirements and deadlines

Investigation Process

Upon receiving a Title IX complaint, the District will:

  • Review the allegations and determine the appropriate process under Title IX and District policy.
  • Conduct a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation.
  • Provide parties an opportunity to present information and relevant evidence.
  • Review available evidence and interview witnesses as appropriate.
  • Reach a determination based on the facts gathered during the investigation.
  • Provide notice of the outcome consistent with applicable law and District procedures. 

The District will take appropriate steps to stop prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects when a violation is found. 

Appeals and Additional Remedies

Individuals who are dissatisfied with the District's response may have the right to pursue additional remedies, including filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Information regarding OCR's complaint process is available on its website.

Additional Resources

California Department of Education (CDE)

U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Complaints alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying may also be addressed through the District's Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) when applicable

Supportive Measures

Hanford Elementary School District offers supportive measures to help students and employees maintain equal access to educational programs and activities during a Title IX process. Supportive measures are available regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed and are provided at no cost, as appropriate.  

Examples of supportive measures may include:

  • Counseling or referral services.
  • Academic accommodations and support.
  • Schedule, class, or activity modifications.
  • Measures to limit contact between involved parties.
  • Safety planning and other individualized supports.
  • Assistance related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.

Individuals seeking supportive measures should contact the District's Title IX Coordinator. The District prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports misconduct, participates in a Title IX process, or requests supportive measures