School Health & Safety

TITLE IX

Title IX Definition
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces, among other statutes, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs, and all activities that receive federal financial assistance. Under Title IX sexual harassment includes: dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
Title IX 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.
Key areas where Title IX obligations are strongly enforced are: recruitment, admissions, and counseling; financial assistance; athletics; sex-based harassment (including sexual assault and all other forms of violence); treatment of pregnant and parenting students; treatment of LGBTQI+ students; discipline; single-sex education; and employment.
Inspire staff and faculty are required to provide appropriate supervision in order to consistently enforce the standards of conduct. If any staff or faculty member observes or becomes privy to an act of misconduct outlined by this Policy, they are required to take the necessary steps of intervening, calling for assistance, and reporting the incident. Inspire School of Arts & Sciences’ Board of Directors requires all staff and faculty of the institution to follow the formal procedures for reporting alleged misconduct defined by this Policy.
  • Title IX Training
  • Prohibited Unlawful Harassment
  • Prohibited Bullying
  • Bullying Prevention Procedures
  • Protection for Survivors
  • Past Training Materials (2020-2021)

    Online training will be completed by all employees at the start of the school year and will be required of all new hires during the school year. Administrators assigned to handle Title IX matters will be trained according to their role in the process (i.e. investigator, decision-maker). Training materials are available upon request.

    Click through the tabs for further information and resources!

    1. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
        • Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or a condition of an individual’s employment, education, academic status, or progress;
        • submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment, educational or academic decisions affecting the individual;
        • the conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment; and/or
        • submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution.
    2. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to:
        •  Physical assaults of a sexual nature, such as:
        • Rape, sexual battery, molestation or attempts to commit these assaults.
        • Intentional physical conduct that is sexual in nature, such as touching, pinching, patting, grabbing, brushing against another’s body, or poking another’s body.
        • Unwanted sexual advances, propositions or other sexual comments, such as:
          • Sexually oriented gestures, notices, remarks, jokes, or comments about a person’s sexuality or sexual experience.
        •  Preferential treatment or promises of preferential treatment to an individual for submitting to sexual conduct, including soliciting or attempting to solicit any individual to engage in sexual activity for compensation or reward or deferential treatment for rejecting sexual conduct.
        • Subjecting or threats of subjecting a student to unwelcome sexual attention or conduct or intentionally making the student’s academic performance more difficult because of the student’s sex.
    3. Sexual or discriminatory displays or publications anywhere in the educational environment, such as:
        • Displaying pictures, cartoons, posters, calendars, graffiti, objections, promotional materials, reading materials, or other materials that are sexually suggestive, sexually demeaning or pornographic or bringing or possessing any such material to read, display or view in the educational environment.
        • Reading publicly or otherwise publicizing in the educational environment materials that are in any way sexually revealing, sexually suggestive, sexually demeaning or pornographic.
        •  Displaying signs or other materials purporting to segregate an individual by sex in an area of the educational environment (other than restrooms or similar rooms).
     
  • Bullying is defined as any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act. Bullying includes one or more acts committed by a student or group of students that may constitute sexual harassment, hate violence, or creates an intimidating and/or hostile educational environment, directed toward one or more students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

    1. Placing a reasonable pupil* or pupils in fear of harm to that pupil’s or those pupils’ person or property.

    2. Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or mental health.

    3. Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantial interference with his or her academic performance.

    4. Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by Inspire.

    * “Reasonable pupil” is defined as a pupil, including, but not limited to, an exceptional needs pupil, who exercises care, skill and judgment in conduct for a person of his or her age, or for a person of his or her age with his or her exceptional needs.

    Cyberbullying is an electronic act that includes the transmission of harassing communication, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person’s electronic account and assuming that person’s identity in order to damage that person’s reputation.
    Electronic act means the creation and transmission originated on or off the school site, by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone, or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager, of a communication, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

      1. A message, text, sound, video, or image.
      2.  A post on a social network Internet Web site including, but not limited to: a. Posting to or creating a burn page. A “burn page” means an Internet Web site created for the purpose of having one or more of the effects as listed in the definition of “bullying,” above.
      3. Creating a credible impersonation of another actual pupil for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in the definition of “bullying,” above. “Credible impersonation” means to knowingly and without consent impersonate a pupil for the purpose of bullying the pupil and such that another pupil would reasonably believe, or has reasonably believed, that the pupil was or is the pupil who was impersonated.
      4.  Creating a false profile for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in the definition of “bullying,” above. “False profile” means a profile of a fictitious pupil or a profile using the likeness or attributes of an actual pupil other than the pupil who created the false profile.

    Sexual cyberbullying acts include but are not limited to:

      1. The act or intention to distribute a photograph, recording, or other visual media by one student of another student or school personnel with any motive defined in the definition of “bullying” above.   
      2. The act or intention to distribute a photograph or any other visual media, a nude, semi-nude, or sexually explicit representation of a minor where the minor is identifiable from visual received. 

    Sexual cyberbullying does not include any depiction, portrayal, or image that has any serious literary, artistic, educational, political, or scientific value or that involves athletic events or school-sanctioned activities.

    Notwithstanding the definitions of “bullying” and “electronic act” above, an electronic act shall not constitute pervasive conduct solely on the basis that it has been transmitted on the Internet or is currently posted on the Internet.

  • For more information and resources about bullying, click here.

    1. Prevention Procedures for Cyberbullying

    Inspire advises students:

      • To never share passwords, personal data, or private photos online.
      • To think about what they are doing carefully before posting and by emphasizing that comments cannot be retracted once they are posted.
      • That personal information revealed on social media can be shared with anyone including parents, teachers, administrators, and potential employers. Students should never reveal information that would make them uncomfortable if the world had access to it.
      • To consider how it would feel receiving such comments before making comments about others online.

    Inspire informs employees, students, and parents/guardians of Inspire’s policies regarding the use of technology in and out of the classroom. Inspire encourages parents/guardians to discuss these policies with their children to ensure their children understand and comply with such policies.

    2. Prevention Education

    Inspire employees cannot always be present when bullying incidents occur, so educating students about bullying is a key prevention technique to limit bullying from happening. Inspire advises students that hateful and/or demeaning behavior is inappropriate and unacceptable in our society and at Inspire and encourages students to practice compassion and respect each other.

    Inspire educates students to accept all student peers regardless of protected characteristics (including but not limited to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identification, physical or cognitive disabilities, race, ethnicity, religion, and immigration status) and about the negative impact of bullying other pupils based on protected characteristics.
    Inspire’s bullying prevention education also discusses the differences between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors and includes sample situations to help students learn and practice appropriate behavior and to develop techniques and strategies to respond in a non-aggressive way to bullying-type behaviors. Students will also develop confidence and learn how to advocate for themselves and others, and when to go to an adult for help.
    Inspire informs Inspire employees, students, and parents/guardians of this Policy and encourages parents/guardians to discuss this Policy with their children to ensure their children understand and comply with this Policy.

    3. Professional Development

    Inspire annually makes available the online training module developed by the California Department of Education pursuant Education Code section 32283.5(a) to its certificated employees and all other Inspire employees who have regular interaction with pupils.
    Inspire informs certificated employees about the common signs that a student is a target of bullying including:

    • Physical cuts or injuries
    • Lost or broken personal items
    • Fear of going to school/practice/games
    • Loss of interest in school, activities, or friends
    • Trouble sleeping or eating
    • Anxious/sick/nervous behavior or distracted appearance
    • Self-destructiveness or displays of odd behavior
    • Decreased self-esteem

    Inspire encourages its employees to demonstrate effective problem-solving, anger management, and self-confidence skills for Inspire’s students.

  • Survivors of sexual violence or discrimination are in control of what actions, if any, take place after the event. Meaning, it is the victim’s decision whether or not to file a formal complaint. Inspire will offer supportive measures regardless of the victim’s decision.

    The school will respond promptly to every Title IX violation. Interim and remedial measures include, but are not limited to, adjustments to an academic schedule, no-contact orders, or attendance reassignments. These are available to survivors regardless of filing a formal complaint or not.

    Schools are prohibited from pressuring a victim to report. Only the victim may make the decision to file a formal complaint, or participate in the grievance process. Inspire is obligated to respond promptly when any school employee receives a notice of sexual harassment or sexual assault. All regulations extend to any building owned, or being controlled by the school or student organization, on or off campus.

    In the event that the victim chooses to participate in the grievance process, the regulation protects them from inappropriately being asked any questions pertaining to their sexual history. As well, the victim is not required under any circumstance to divulge any medical, psychological, or other HIPAA protected information.

    During a hearing, the victim is never required to come face-to-face with the accused individual or group. The accused party is under no circumstance allowed to personally ask the victim any questions. No individual or group may intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual (victim or otherwise) with the intent of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX. This includes any circumstance of regulation implementation, or if the victim filed a report or complaint, or testified, assisted, participated, or refused to participate in subsequent actions covered by Title IX.

    All survivors are protected against any form of bullying, harassment, or retaliation whether or not they choose to report sexual misconduct, file a formal complaint, or participate in the grievance process.

If you believe you have been the subject of a Title IX violation or misconduct and are choosing to report the event, please fill out the form below or contact the Title IX Coordinator, Ken Hardy at khardy@inspirechico.org or (530) 891-3090 x209. Once your case has been reviewed, the coordinator will reach out to you for the next steps.
Title IX Violation Form

TITLE IX Coordinator

Ken Hardy
(530) 891-3090 ext. 209
khardy@inspirechico.org
335 W. Sacramento Ave., Chico, CA 95926

Grievance Procedures & Process

  • How to file a complaint under TITLE IX
  • Reporting
  • Investigation
  • Consequence & Appeal
  • The following is information regarding your rights and responsibilities regarding filing a Title IX Complaint.

    Title IX Coordinator Contact Information

    All complaints should be sent to our Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached at:

    Ken Hardy
    (530) 891-3090 ext. 209
    khardy@inspirechico.org
    335 W. Sacramento Ave. Chico, CA 95926

     

    Your Rights and Responsibilities Under Title IX

    (a) You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.

    (b) You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities and athletics offered by Inspire School of Arts & Sciences (“Inspire” or the “School”).

    (c) Inspire does not currently offer any athletic programs. If it does in the future, you have the right to inquire of the athletic director or other appropriate Inspire administrator as to the athletic opportunities offered by the School.

    (d) You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.

    (e) 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.

    (f)  You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws. If you feel any of your entitlements have been violated, please contact our Equity Coordinator, Evita North, at enorth@inspirechico.org or (530) 891-3090 x106.

    (g) You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws. 

    (h) You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office for 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. See below for more information regarding how to file a complaint.

    (i) You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.

    (j) You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

    (k) You can find out more information regarding your rights, Inspire’s responsibilities, and access information on gender equity laws from the following resources:

    (l) You can find a list of community-based organizations that provide support to youth, and their families, who have been subjected to school-based discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying at: https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/di/eo/

    Definition of Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Under Ed. Code Section 230

    Harassment and other discrimination on the basis of sex include, but are not limited to, the following practices:

    (a) On the basis of sex, exclusion of a person or persons from participation in, denial of the benefits of, or subjection to harassment or other discrimination in, any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other program or activity.

    (b) On the basis of sex, provision of different amounts or types of student financial aid, limitation of eligibility for student financial aid, or the application of different criteria to applicants for student financial aid or for participation in the provision of student financial aid by others. 

    (c) On the basis of sex, exclusion from participation in, or denial of equivalent opportunity in, athletic programs. “Equivalent” means equal or equal in effect.

    (d) On the basis of sex, harassment or other discrimination among persons, including, but not limited to, students and nonstudents, or academic and nonacademic personnel, in employment and the conditions thereof, except as it relates to a bona fide occupational qualification.

    (e) On the basis of sex, the application of any rule concerning the actual or potential parental, family, or marital status of a person, or the exclusion of any person from any program or activity or employment because of pregnancy or related conditions.

    How to File a Complaint Under Title IX

    (a) You can find more information regarding how to file a complaint as follows:

    (b) A complaint regarding discrimination or harassment based on sex must ordinarily be filed with the U.S. Office for Civil Rights within 180 days of the last act of discrimination. If your complaint involves matters that occurred longer than this and you are requesting a waiver, you will be asked to show good cause why you did not file your complaint within the 180-day period. If you have questions about your situation, you can contact the California branch of the Office for Civil Rights at the address listed below. A complaint filed with Inspire under our UCP alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying must be initiated no later than six (6) months from the date when the alleged unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying occurred, or six (6) months from the date when the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying.  

    (c) The U.S. Office for Civil Rights has its own policies and procedures for investigating complaints. Please review the above link for more information about this process. A complaint filed with Inspire under our UCP or Title IX, Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination, and Bullying Policy will be investigated in compliance with those policies. 

    (d) There are a variety of ways to file your complaint. You can use the U.S. Office for Civil Rights electronic complaint form filed directly through their website; or mail, email, or send by facsimile your own letter or a completed copy of the Office for Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form. 

  • Complaints regarding such misconduct may also be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. Civil law remedies, including, but not limited to, injunctions, restraining orders, or other remedies or orders may also be available to complainants.

    While submission of a written report is not required, the reporting party is encouraged to submit a written report to the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action cannot be based solely on an anonymous report.

    Students are expected to report all incidents of misconduct prohibited by this Policy or other verbal, or physical abuses. Any student who feels they are a target of such behavior should immediately contact a teacher, counselor, administrator, Title IX Coordinator, a staff person or a family member so that the student can get assistance in resolving the issue in a manner that is consistent with this Policy.

    Inspire acknowledges and respects every individual’s right to privacy. All reports shall be investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the integrity of the process. This includes keeping the identity of the reporter confidential, as appropriate, except to the extent necessary to carry out the investigation and/or to resolve the issue, as determined by the Title IX Coordinator or administrative designee on a case-by-case basis.

    Inspire prohibits any form of retaliation against any reporter in the reporting process, including but not limited to a reporter’s filing of a complaint or the reporting of instances of misconduct prohibited by this Policy. Such participation shall not in any way affect the status, grades, or work assignments of the reporter.

    All supervisors of staff will receive sexual harassment training within six (6) months of their assumption of a supervisory position and will receive further training once every two (2) years thereafter. All staff will receive sexual harassment training and/or instruction concerning sexual harassment as required by law.

  • Upon receipt of a report of misconduct prohibited by this Policy from a student, staff member, parent, volunteer, visitor or affiliate of Inspire, the Title IX Coordinator will promptly initiate an investigation. In most cases, a thorough investigation will take no more than ten (10) school days. If the Title IX Coordinator determines that an investigation will take longer than ten (10) school days, the Title IX Coordinator will inform the complainant and any other relevant parties and provide an approximate date when the investigation will be complete.

    At the conclusion of the investigation, the Title IX Coordinator will meet with the complainant and, to the extent possible with respect to confidentiality laws, to provide the complainant with information about the investigation, including any actions necessary to resolve the incident/situation. However, in no case may the Title IX Coordinator reveal confidential information related to other students or employees, including the type and extent of discipline issued against such students or employees.

    All records related to any investigation of complaints under this Policy are maintained in a secure location.

  • Consequences

    Students or employees who engage in misconduct prohibited by this Policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

    Right to Appeal 

    Should the reporting individual find the Title IX Coordinator’s resolution unsatisfactory, the reporting individual may follow the Dispute Resolution Process found in the Student/Parent Handbook.

Title IX regulations allow students the rights to a written notice of allegations, an advocate, and the opportunity to submit, examine or challenge any evidence. All students have the right to a live hearing where advisors for the incident conduct a cross-examination. Title IX grants all members of the school community, including faculty, the right to an impartial finding using a standard of preponderance or clear and convincing evidence. Inspire must offer all parties, both accused and victim, an equal opportunity to appeal any findings. Title IX allows schools the option to conduct investigations and hearings remotely at their discretion.