State and Federal Non-Discrimination Mandates
State and federal laws prohibit discrimination in educational programs or in school hiring practices on the basis of race, national origin, color, religion, creed, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and marital status.
Title IX (Gender Equity)
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on of sex or gender identity in educational institutions receiving federal funds. Title IX requires school districts to notify students and employees of their non-discrimination policies, designate a Title IX Coordinator and adopt grievance procedures.
Title VI (Racial and Nation of Origin Equity)
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin in all institutions receiving federal funds. Title VI requires schools districts to provide comparable access to courses, programs and extra-curricular activities. Districts must provide student of color with comparable access to quality instruction and facilities. Districts must also take measures to ensure that limited English proficient (LEP) students can fully participate in school programs and services.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Disability Equity)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination based on disability in educational institutions receiving federal funds. Section 504 regulations require school districts to provide a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school district’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. Under Section 504, FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the student’s individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students.
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Disability Equity)
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 extends the prohibition against discrimination to the full range of state and local government services, programs, and activities, including public schools, regardless of whether they receive any Federal financial assistance.