Title IX and Sex Discrimination
What is Title IX?
Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. 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.
Title IX protects staff, students, and anyone within the school from discrimination. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include applies to all forms for sexual harassment and sexual violence. This includes assault, domestic violence, stalking, gender based bullying, and sexism.
If contacted by a potential alleged victim of sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator will explain the process for filing an informal or formal complaint, which may initiate an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations.
A formal complaint is a document filed by an alleged victim or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment against an individual and requesting that the district investigate the allegation of sexual harassment. The formal complaint must be a written document but need not be in any specific form.
Canton Central School Districts Title IX Coordinator will promptly contact the alleged victim of sexual harassment and discuss the availability of supportive measures regardless of whether the alleged victim chooses to file a formal complaint or not.
Potential supportive measures shall include:
- Counseling,
- Extensions of deadlines or other adjustments,
- Modifications of work schedules,
- Mutual restrictions on contact between the parties,
- Changes in work locations,
- Leaves of absence,
- Increased security and monitoring of certain areas.
The Title IX coordinator shall discuss and determine the complainant’s wishes with respect to supportive measures.
The formal complaint investigation and process will only be triggered when the complainant files a formal complaint.
The district will designate an investigator who will investigate the complaint, and make determinations regarding a complaint's allegations using a preponderance of evidence standard.
Canton Central School District designated Title IX Coordinator is:
Sarah Smith
(315) 386-8561, ext. 44203