Non-discrimination and Title IX

The Mountain View Whisman School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying in educational programs, activities, or employment on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, parental, pregnancy, family or marital status, military status or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The Mountain View Whisman School District requires that school personnel take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so when he or she witnesses an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Questions or complaints of alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying, equity or Title IX equity and compliance concerns should be directed to:

Tara Vikjord, Chief Human Relations Officer
1400 Montecito Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043
650-526-3500

Uniform Annual Complaint Notice
Uniform Annual Complaint Notice- Spanish

Policy Links--

5145.3 AR - Nondiscrimination/Harassment
5145.3 BP - Nondiscrimination/Harassment

5145.7 AR - Sexual Harassment

Training materials

A school must post on its website all materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process. MVWSD's materials are:
Title IX Fundamentals- Compliance Training Manual
Title IX Training Sept 2020

Learn more about your rights under Title IX:

Visit the California Department of Education's Title IX website.

Visit the website of the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and the webpage on sex discrimination.

Link to: Office of Equal Opportunity

Review United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, Know Your Rights documents:

Title IX prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence
Title IX prohibits discrimination against pregnant or parenting individuals

Visit the website of the California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity and the webpage on Gender Equity/Title IX.

MVWSD Responsibilities

MVWSD has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. If MVWSD knows or reasonably should know about sex discrimination, it must take action to eliminate the sex discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. MVWSD must resolve complaints of sex discrimination promptly and equitably. Information on filing a complaint alleging sex-based discrimination is below, including contact information for MVWSD's Title IX Coordinator.

List of rights specified in Education Code section 221.8

(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, including athletics.

(c) You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school 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:

(1) Equipment and supplies.

(2) Scheduling of games and practices.

(3) Transportation and daily allowances.

(4) Access to tutoring.

(5) Coaching.

(6) Locker rooms.

(7) Practice and competitive facilities.

(8) Medical and training facilities and services.

(9) Publicity.

(f) You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.

(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 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.

(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.

How to file a complaint

To file a complaint: Uniform Complaint Form (EspaƱol)

Complaints can be mailed to:

Tara Vikjord, Chief Human Relations Officer
1400 Montecito Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043  
or emailed to: [email protected]

A complaint alleging unlawful discrimination or retaliation must be filed no later than six months from the date the discrimination or retaliation occurred, or six months from when the complainant first learned of the unlawful discrimination. The Superintendent or designee may extend this timeline by up to ninety days for good cause, upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the extension.

A student, parent, guardian, employee, individual, or organization may file a written complaint alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying on the basis of a protected characteristic under MVWSD's Uniform Complaint Procedure by sending a complaint to MVWSD's Title IX Coordinator (contact information listed above).

If you need assistance putting your complaint in writing, please contact Tara Vikjord at 650-526-3500.

You may file a complaint anonymously, but MVWSD's ability to investigate and respond may be limited by a lack of information.

You may also file a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.  

The electronic complaint form for the Office for Civil Rights is available online at https://ocrcas.ed.gov.

Contact the Office for Civil Rights at:
San Francisco Office
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
50 United Nations Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: (415) 486-5555
Fax: (415) 486-5570; TDD: (800) 877-8339
Email: [email protected]

How we investigate complaints

Complaints filed under MVWSD's Uniform Complaint Procedure will be investigated and a decision made within sixty calendar days of the MVWSD's receipt, unless the complainant agrees to an extension. MVWSD's compliance officer or designee may interview alleged victims, alleged offenders, and relevant witnesses. The compliance officer may review available records, statements, or notes related to the complaint, including evidence or information received from the parties during the investigation. The compliance officer may visit reasonably accessible locations where discrimination is alleged to have occurred. As appropriate, MVWSD's compliance officer periodically will inform the parties of the status of the investigation. The complainant will be notified when a decision is made. Complaints that are not filed under MVWSD's Uniform Complaint Procedure will be investigated and decided pursuant to the applicable procedure.

Resources for Families

CDE-compiled resources that provide support the families and youth who have been subject to school-based discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying. 
(5145.3 AR - Nondiscrimination/Harassment)

Resources for Employees

(From the California Civil Rights Department)

California Law Prohibits Workplace Discrimination and Harassment  
The Rights of Employees Who Are Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming
Your Rights and Obligations as a Pregnant Employee
Family Care and Medical Leave and Pregnancy Disability Leave
(AR and BP 4030 Non Discrimination in Employment)

 

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