Title IX
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that was passed in 1972 to ensure that male and females in educational settings are treated equally and fairly. It protects against discrimination based on sex. Specifically, Title IX provides that: 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.
How is sexual harassment defined?
Sex-based harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by both federal and state laws. Sex-based harassment generally involves unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Harassment may be carried out by school staff, a student, or another person. It can occur in-person or online, including through email, texts or messages, apps, or other technologies.
Complaints alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying based on gender, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation are eligible to be investigated pursuant to the School’s Uniform Complaint Procedures under California law.
Under federal Title IX regulations, sexual harassment means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
- Quid pro quo harassment: A school employee conditioning the provision of a school-related aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
- Hostile environment harassment: Unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school’s education program or activity. Such conduct can be carried out by school staff, a student, or another person; and
- Specific offenses: Sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking
Complaints alleging sexual harassment as defined under federal law in Title IX shall be investigated under the Title IX Policy and Grievance Procedures.
Who is the King-Chavez Title IX Coordinator?
The School has designated the following individual as its Title IX Coordinator:
CEO Cindy Kelley
2260 Island Avenue
San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 955-8555
The Title IX Coordinator has received training on the definition of sexual harassment, the scope of the School's education program or activity, how to conduct an investigation and grievance process including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes, as applicable, and how to serve impartially, including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias. Training modules include “Title IX and Gender Equity" and "Title IX Compliance.”
How may I file a complaint of discrimination under Title IX?
A report of sexual harassment as defined under the Title IX regulations can be made to any School employee. You may file a complaint of discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, by contacting the School’s Title IX Coordinator. Filling out the King-Chavez Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Form / Formulario de Denuncia por Acoso Sexual del Título IX will help the Coordinator understand the nature and details of the complaint.
Otherwise, a discrimination complaint may be filed with the Office for Civil Rights:
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Bldg.
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-1100
(800) 421-3481
United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Complaint Form
United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System