Sex-Based Harassment & Discrimination (Title IX)
Fort Smith Public Schools is dedicated to fostering an environment where all students and staff are treated with respect and dignity. In compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws, the district ensures that no individual is discriminated against based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, genetic information, or disability in its employment and educational practices.
Fort Smith Public Schools strictly prohibits sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment, and provides multiple ways for individuals to report such incidents. Reports can be made in person, by mail, by telephone, or by email to the Title IX Coordinator. Reports can be submitted at any time, including during non-business hours.
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that ensures equal opportunities free from discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Title IX is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that receives federal financial support. This includes protection from exclusion, denial of benefits, or discrimination based on sex.
Scope of Title IX
Title IX applies to a wide range of educational institutions and organizations, including approximately 16,500 local school districts, 7,000 post-secondary institutions, charter schools, libraries, museums, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and educational agencies throughout the United States.
All recipients of federal funding, including Fort Smith Public Schools, are required to operate their educational programs and activities without discrimination. Title IX mandates equitable treatment in:
- Recruitment and admissions
- Counseling and financial assistance
- Athletics
- Sex-based harassment
- Treatment of pregnant and parenting students
- Discipline
- Single-sex education
- Employment opportunities
Retaliation against individuals for reporting or participating in Title IX proceedings is strictly prohibited.
Title IX Laws and Guidance
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces Title IX regulations, ensuring that no individual experiences discrimination based on sex in educational settings. Title IX’s primary goal is to create an equitable and inclusive environment across all educational programs and activities.
Title IX Grievance Procedures
Individuals who experience or witness sex-based discrimination or sex-based harassment may report such incidents to the Title IX Coordinator at any time, including during non-business hours. Fort Smith Public Schools is committed to responding promptly and effectively to all reports in accordance with Title IX regulations.
Staff Responsibilities
Fort Smith Public Schools staff members are required to undergo Title IX training and are responsible for:
- Conducting thorough investigations into reports of sex discrimination or sex-based harassment
- Taking immediate action to stop harassment
- Implementing measures to prevent future occurrences
- Addressing the effects of discrimination or harassment swiftly
The district is obligated to respond to reports of sex-based harassment in a manner that avoids deliberate indifference. Deliberate indifference refers to an unreasonable response to known circumstances. Prompt action is critical to ensuring a safe and equitable learning environment for all students and staff.
Key Areas Covered by Title IX
- Program Equity: Ensuring equal opportunities for all students in educational programs and activities.
- Prohibition of Sex/Gender Discrimination: Ensuring that no individual is discriminated against based on sex or gender.
- Sex-Based Harassment: Addressing incidents of sex-based harassment in any educational setting.
- Hostile Work Environments: Preventing and addressing environments that are hostile due to sex discrimination.
- Retaliation: Prohibiting retaliation against those who report discrimination or participate in Title IX proceedings.
Title IX applies in all settings over which the district has substantial control, including locations, events, and circumstances where sex-based harassment may occur.
Sex-Based Harassment & Discrimination Reporting
The district must respond promptly to all reports of sex-based harassment. The district is considered to have received notice of harassment if any district employee becomes aware of the incident. Reporting and responding to sex-based harassment should be treated with the same urgency as mandated child abuse reporting.
It is critical to report any observed or suspected sex-based harassment immediately to ensure a swift response and protect individuals from further harm.
Title IX Coordinator Contact Information
If you have any questions or need to report an incident of sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.
Dr. Chris Davis
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Campus Support
3205 Jenny Lind Road, Fort Smith, AR 72901
479-785-2501