Title IX

Title IX and Gender-based Harassment Resources

District Title IX Coordinator

Mike Gass

mike.gass@willamina.k12.or.us

1100 NE Oaken Hills Dr.

Willamina, OR 97396

(503) 876-1501

Online Complaint Form

Report to Safe Oregon

It is the policy of Willamina School District that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on any basis protected by law, including but not limited to, an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, familial status, economic status, veteran status, or because of a perceived or actual association with any other persons within these protected classes.

All public schools receiving any federal funds must comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. A school has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to a claim of sexual harassment or sexual violence. Title IX requires schools to adopt and publish grievance procedures for students to file complaints of sex discrimination, including complaints of sexual harassment or sexual violence. Complaints of unlawful discrimination and harassment based on gender or sex may be made at any time and in any manner: in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail. Complaints may be brought to any staff member, however if a student wishes to make a formal complaint those should be brought to their building principal or the District’s Title IX Coordinator. Complaints will be promptly investigated. For more information regarding the District’s Sexual Harassment policy and complaint process, please refer to Board Policy JBA/GBN-AR

Under Title IX, there are two different types of cases: 1) Sexual misconduct is a broad term used to encompass a range of behaviors. It includes Sexual or Gender-Based Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence or Stalking. Sexual Misconduct is a type of Sex or Gender-Based Discrimination; and 2) Discrimination - Being treated differently because of sex/gender.

Under Oregon state law and Title IX, all of the following are prohibited:

1. Sexual harassment

Conditioning access to educational benefits on unwelcome sexual conduct;

Unwelcome conduct that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to an education program or activity; or

Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is physical, verbal, or nonverbal and that creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile environment.

2. Sexual assault

Unwelcome sexual conduct that occurs without consent or when under the influence of drugs/alcohol, while unconscious or elicited using physical force, coercion, or explicit or implied threats.

3. Dating (or domestic) violence

Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with another.

4. Stalking and Cyberstalking

A pattern of behavior intended to cause fear or intimidation

5. Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity

Under Oregon law, discrimination includes “any act that unreasonably differentiates treatment, intended or unintended, or any act that is fair in form but discriminatory in operation, either of which is based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age or disability.”

Oregon law broadly defines, “sexual orientation” as an individual’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality or gender identity, regardless of whether the individual’s gender identity, appearance, expression or behavior differs from that traditionally associated with the individual’s sex at birth.”

6. Gender inequity in athletics or education programs

Unequal access based on sex to athletics, co-curricular or educational programs; inequitable access to facilities, participation, scholarships or other educational benefits.

7. Discrimination based on pregnancy or parenting status

Discrimination or unequal access to educational programs or opportunities based on pregnancy or parenting status.

Title IX Rights and Responsibilities

Rights of a Pupil and the Public

You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against 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 receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following:

Equipment and supplies
Scheduling of games and practices
Transportation and daily allowances
Access to tutoring
Coaching
Locker rooms
Practice and competitive facilities
Medical and training facilities and services
Publicity

You have the right to contact the Oregon Department of Education Office of Civil Rights 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 State 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.

Responsibilities of Schools and Districts

A school has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively. If a school knows or reasonably should know about sexual harassment or sexual violence that creates a hostile environment, the school must take immediate action to eliminate the sexual harassment or sexual violence, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.

Even if a student or their parent does not want to file a complaint or does not request that the school take any action on the student’s behalf, if a school knows or reasonably should know about possible sexual harassment or sexual violence, it must promptly investigate to determine what occurred and then take appropriate steps to resolve the situation.

A criminal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence does not relieve the school of its duty under Title IX to resolve complaints promptly and equitably.

Every school must have and distribute a policy against sex discrimination.

Every school must have a Title IX Coordinator.

Every school must have and make known procedures for students to file complaints of sex discrimination.

Title IX Training Materials