The School Board of Alachua County takes seriously our obligations to ensure that no student or employee suffers discrimination on the basis of sex, as defined in Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.

Title IX is a federal law, enacted in 1972 states: 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.

It is the policy of the Board to maintain an educational and work environment which is free from all forms of unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment. School Board Policy 1362 (Anti-Harassment) also prohibits harassment on the basis of sex including sexual orientation, transgender status, or gender identity and encourages those within the school district community who feel aggrieved to seek assistance upon which time the school or district will take immediate steps to end the harassment.

Sexual Harassment:

 Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment, which is defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

• An employee of the District conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the District on participation in unwelcome conduct;
• Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s education program or activity;
• Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, as defined by applicable law.

Reporting Harassment/Discrimination  

Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the district coordinator above or the school based Title IX Coordinator as listed on each school’s faculty and staff webpage or at the link below.

Next Steps

After a report of sexual harassment has been made, the school and/or Title IX Coordinator will reach out to the individual affected by the alleged misconduct, provide supportive measures, and discuss the formal complaint process if the behavior meets the Title IX definition of sexual harassment.  If a formal complaint is filed, both parties will be notified, a full investigation will take place and both parties (complainant and respondent) will receive a copy of the investigative report in accordance with federal guidelines.  A decision maker will then review the report to determine outcomes which will also be shared. 

Title IX Formal Complaint

Appeal Procedures

Either party may appeal the decision of the district if there is an indication of:

• Procedural irregularity
• Newly discovered evidence
• Investigator had a conflict of interest

Title IX Formal Appeal

All district schools have a trained Title IX Coordinator.  School and district investigators and decision makers have also been trained.

Training for Coordinators/Investigators/Decision Makers

Teacher Training 

List of School Based Title IX Coordinators