Title IX
The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District (SBLSD) does not discriminate in any programs, services or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or serving animal by a person with a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status; or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal.
Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX, which began with a focus on discrimination and ensuring equity in sports, includes a major focus on prevention of, and response to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is unlawful treatment of a person or group because they are part of a defined group, known as a protected class. Discrimination may include treating a person differently or denying someone access to a program, service, or activity because they are part of a protected class, or failing to accommodate a person’s disability. Discriminatory harassment is verbal or physical harassment based on a protected class.
What is a Protected Class?
A protected class is a group of people who share common characteristics and are protected from discrimination and harassment by federal, state, or local laws. Protected classes in the SBLSD are those groups identified in the Non-Discrimination Statement above, such as sex, race, etc.
How do I file a complaint about discrimination?
If you believe that you or your student has experienced discrimination or discriminatory harassment at school, you have the right to file a formal complaint. While this form is not required, all formal complaints must: (a) be in writing and (b) set forth the specific acts, conditions, or circumstances alleged to have occurred that constitute discrimination. Before filing a complaint, you may want to discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or the SBLSD Title IX Coordinator.
If you are not sure whether you should make a formal complaint, you can consult the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator can help you decide if any action should be taken and how best to address your situation. SBLSD has designated staff responsible for responding to, investigating, and resolving complaints.
If you believe an SBLSD student or staff member has been Discriminated, Harassed based on a Protected Class, or Sexually Harassed, you can report the incident(s) to any school staff member or the district’s Title IX Coordinator. SBLSD Designated Officials are:
Your School Compliance Official
The principal (or designee) of your school or Program Director
SBLSD Title IX Coordinator
Adrienne Chacón
(253) 891-6047
Instructions for submitting a Formal Written Complaint
Complete the form here: SBLSD Discrimination Complaint Form Please note that the use of a specific form is optional and not required. An alternative to completing the form is to send an email or provide a written document to a school leader (principal or assistant principal) or to the Title IX Coordinator directly. Be as specific as possible when describing the incident(s). Your complaint is not limited to the space provided in the form, if used. You are encouraged to attach additional materials, which may assist in the resolution of your complaint. Please be sure to include, either on the form, an email, or other document, the following information:
- the date(s),
- the description of the incident(s) that occurred,
- the name(s) of the person(s) involved, and
- the name(s) of those who may have witnessed the incident(s).
Submit the written document or email to either the Title IX Coordinator or to any school leader (principal or assistant principal).
For more information, please refer to:
Policy 3205: Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited (Spanish | Russian | Ukrainian)