Policy No. 5365 Harassment & Discrimination
Purpose and Philosophy
The Cache Board of Education is committed to maintaining a school learning environment that is free of harassment and discrimination. The Board affirms that all individuals should be valued and esteemed as integral members of the school community, with equal opportunities to engage meaningfully in a safe learning environment.
Utah Laws Concerning Harassment and Discrimination Free Schools
This policy is intended to address discrimination and harassment in district schools under federal requirements of Title IV, Title VI, Title IX or Section 504. Utah laws also require schools to eliminate harassment and discrimination and to foster learning environments in which a student's or employee’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered is not limited or interfered with by conduct that is physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating.
Prohibited Conduct
The Board prohibits all forms of discrimination and discriminatory harassment based upon an individual’s actual or perceived characteristics, including race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other physical or mental attributes, or conformance or failure to conform with stereotypes. This position extends to all aspects of the district’s educational programs, as well as to the use of all district facilities, and participation in all district-sponsored activities.
Responsibility to Prevent, Stop, and Support
School employees shall take prompt and appropriate action to prevent discriminatory harassment or conduct toward a student or school employee that the educator knew or should have known may result in a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment. Educators shall take prompt and appropriate action to protect a student from any known condition detrimental to the student's physical health, mental health, safety, or learning.
Who to Contact
Inquiries or complaints regarding this discrimination and harassment policy may be directed to a school administrator or the designated district compliance officers:
Student Services
For general questions related to civil rights violations, discrimination, or discriminatory harassment the Director of Student Services may be contacted at:
Email: alden.jack@ccsdut.org
Phone: 435-752-3925 ext: 2773
Title VI
For allegations of discrimination or discriminatory harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin the Federal Programs Director may be contacted at:
Email: paula.hull@ccsdut.org
Phone: (801) 476-7869
Title VII
For allegations of discrimination or discriminatory harassment in the workplace the Director of Human Resources may be contacted at:
Email: kirk.mcrae@ccsdut.org
Phone: 435-792-7608
Title IX
For allegations of Title IX discrimination on the basis of sex or for allegations of Title IX sexual harassment the District Title IX Coordinator may be contacted at:
For Student Matters
Email: alden.jack@ccsdut.org
Phone: 435-752-3925
For Employee Matters
Email: kirk.mcrae@ccsdut.org
Phone: 435-752-3925
Disability - Section 504
The building principal in each school of Cache County School District is the school-level 504 Coordinator. The District 504 Coordinator may also be contacted for complaints of discrimination or discriminatory harassment on the basis of a disability.
Email: alden.jack@ccsdut.org
Phone: 435-752-3925
Disability - IDEA
For allegations of discrimination or discriminatory harassment on the basis of disability the Director of Special Education may be contacted at:
Email: jeni.buist@ccsdut.org
Phone: 435-792-7631
Nothing in this policy or procedure prohibits a person from filing a discrimination or harassment complaint with the Regional Office for Civil Rights:
Denver Office
U.S. Department of Education
Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building
1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310
Denver, CO 80204-3582
The Board directs the superintendent to develop procedures to guide preventative measures, reporting, investigation, notification, discipline, and education and training related to this policy.
Legal References:
- Utah Code 53G-8-802 State Safety and Support Program – LEA Duties
- Utah Code 53G-8-202 Public School Discipline Policies
- USBE R277-328 Equal Opportunity in Education
- USBE R277-609 LEA Discipline Plans and Emergency Safety Interventions
- USBE R277-613 LEA Policies and Training Regarding Bullying
- Title VI – Discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin
- Title IV and Title VII – Discrimination on the basis of religion
- Title IX – Discrimination on the basis of sex
- Section 504 and Title II – Discrimination on the basis of disability
Synopsis:
Approved by the Board of Education: 4/25/2024