Youth Activist Art Exhibit
Youth Online Art Show on February 22nd-28th
CLICK HERE to view the slideshow
It is the policy of the Amherst, Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Districts (the “Districts”) not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or other legally protected classification. This prohibition includes Sexual Harassment based upon race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or other legally protected classification. The Districts are committed to maintaining a school environment free of unlawful Sexual Harassment. This Policy and Procedures specifically addresses Sexual Harassment, as defined below, as a form of gender discrimination under Title IX.
This Policy applies to individuals participating in any Educational Program or Activity, as defined below, whether such programs or activities occur on or off of school grounds if the school exercises “substantial control” over the alleged harasser and the context in which the alleged Sexual Harassment occurred. Although Title IX only applies to incidents occurring within the United States, this Policy applies to allegations of Sexual Harassment brought by individuals participating in any Educational Program or Activity even if it occurs outside of the United States.
For purposes of this Policy and Procedures, the following definitions will apply:
The Districts take allegations of discrimination, including Sexual Harassment, seriously and will respond promptly to Formal Complaints. Where it is determined that conduct that violates the law and this Policy and Procedures has occurred, the Districts will act promptly to stop the conduct and impose corrective action as necessary, which may include school-related discipline.
If any student believes, in good faith, that the student has been subjected to Sexual Harassment, they should report the incident. Further, anyone may report Sexual Harassment regardless of whether they are the victim/complainant. This includes, but is not limited to, parents on behalf of their child and other students or staff who observe alleged incidents of Sexual Harassment.
Sexual Harassment for purposes of this Policy and Procedures is defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
Examples of Sexual Harassment include but are not limited to:
Sexual Harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances. Here are some things to remember.
A Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment may be filed with the Title IX Coordinator by the Complainant or any other individual by contacting the Title IX Coordinator by mail, in-person, email or phone.
[NAME/TITLE OF TITLE IX COORDINATOR]
[ADDRESS]
[EMAIL ADDRESS]
[PHONE NUMBER]
The Title IX Coordinator may delegate any and all of their responsibilities to another individual on a case-by-case basis. In the event of any such delegation, the actions of the designee shall be deemed to be the actions of the Title IX Coordinator for the purposes of this Policy and Procedures.
After the Title IX Coordinator receives an allegation of Sexual Harassment, even if no Formal Complaint is made, the Title IX Coordinator will:
In response to a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment, the Districts will follow the following process for investigating, dismissing and/or determining responsibility with regard to the substance of the Formal Complaint.
1.Written Notice
Upon receipt of a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will provide written notice to all known parties. The Respondent will be given notice in sufficient time to prepare a response before an initial interview.
Written notice must include:
2. Investigation
Promptly after receiving or signing the Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will conduct the necessary investigation, using a preponderance of the evidence standard, including making good faith efforts to gather all relevant information. In the course of the Title IX Coordinator’s investigation, the Title IX Coordinator will, along or with the assistance of another staff member:
The duration of an investigation will depend upon the nature and complexity of the allegations, the number of witnesses and the information to be gathered and the cooperation of all involved. As a guideline, the Complainant should expect to be interviewed within five (5) school days. The interview of other witnesses and the Respondent will depend upon the number of witnesses and their availability and the availability of any advisor. The investigator should aim to complete interviews and fact-gathering within ten (10) school days, when feasible. Allowing time for both parties to provide a written response, a final investigation report will typically be completed in 30-45 calendar days after the filing or signing of the Formal Complaint. Delays may result from lack of witness availability, illness, involvement of law enforcement, the need for translation services or other similar circumstances. The Title IX Coordinator will inform the Complainant and Respondent of any substantial delay and the reason for the delay.
3. Determination of Responsibility
Title IX does not require in-person hearings in elementary and secondary school districts. It is the general policy of the Districts not to offer in-person hearings. The decision-maker, who will typically be a building administrator such as the Principal or Assistant Principal, shall retain the right to conduct an in-person hearing if they believe it is necessary to their decision. Regardless of the form of the hearing, the decision-maker will allow the Complainant and the Respondent to submit relevant, written questions they want asked of the other party or other witnesses, provide each party with the answers to such questions, and provide for limited follow-up questions.
After the hearing process is complete, the decision-maker will issue a final determination of responsibility, using the preponderance of the evidence standard, that:
4. Appeals
Either party may appeal a determination of responsibility to the Superintendent, and the Districts’ dismissal of a Formal Complaint or any allegations therein, for the following reasons: (1) a procedural irregularity that affected the outcome; (2) new evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of the determination and could affect the outcome; or (3) a conflict of interest on the part of the Title IX coordinator, investigator, or decision-maker that affected the outcome.
Upon receipt of an appeal, the Superintendent will provide written notice to both parties and provide both parties an equal opportunity to submit a written statement in support of, or challenging, the basis for the appeal. The Superintendent will issue a written decision to both parties, simultaneously, regarding their decision on the appeal.
5. Potential Actions
Violation of this Policy and Procedures by the Respondent may result in corrective action including, but not limited to, loss of privileges to participate in extra-curricular activities or athletics, require participation in Sexual Harassment awareness training or restorative justice efforts, letter home to parents, social probation, detention, in-school suspension, outside suspension, expulsion and/or referral to local police department for consideration of criminal charges.
6. Dismissal
A Formal Complaint will be dismissed, without investigation, if the allegation(s), even if proven, would not constitute Sexual Harassment as defined above. This does not preclude taking action under other policies or rules.
The Formal Complaint may be dismissed if the Complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator at any time that they wish to withdraw the Formal Complaint or an allegation, if the Respondent’s enrollment or employment ends, or if specific circumstances prevent the Districts from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination
If the Title IX Coordinator dismisses a Formal Complaint, written notice will be promptly provided to both parties simultaneously, including the reasons for mandatory or discretionary dismissal.
7. Consolidation
The Title IX Coordinator may consolidate Formal Complaints against more than one Respondent, by more than one Complainant against one or more Respondents, or by one party against another party, where the allegations arise out of the same facts or circumstances.
D. Informal Resolution
When a Formal Complaint has been made, the Districts may offer to facilitate an informal process to resolve the Formal Complaint that does not require a full investigation, but will first provide all parties with written notice as described above and obtain written, voluntary consent from all parties. Informal resolution is not available when the Respondent is an employee.
E. Confidentiality
The Districts will keep confidential the identity of the Complainant, the Respondent and other witnesses except as detailed above, permitted by Title IX or to carry out the purpose of the Title IX and its regulations.
F. Retaliation
Retaliation by the Districts or any other person against any person for the purpose of interfering with Title IX rights or because the person has participated or refused to participate in any manner in a proceeding under Title IX regulations is prohibited. Complaints of retaliation may be addressed under this Policy and Procedures.
G. Recordkeeping
The Districts will keep records related to reports of alleged Sexual Harassment for a minimum of seven (7) years, including investigation records, disciplinary sanctions, remedies, appeals, and records of any action taken, including supportive measures.
The Districts will also maintain, for the required 7-year period, any materials used to train Title IX coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any employee designated to facilitate an informal process. Such training materials will also be posted on the Districts’ website.
H. External Complaints
Any student or parent/guardian who chooses not to use the Districts’ Process or who is not satisfied with the resolution of Districts’ Process may file a complaint with the appropriate state or federal agency.
Any person may also file a complaint with an appropriate state or federal agency at the same time they file a Formal Complaint, after the completion of the Process, or at any time they choose. If a complaint is filed with the Office for Civil Rights, it must be filed in writing no later than 180 days after the occurrence of the alleged Sexual Harassment.
Complaints may be filed with:
OR
A copy of this Policy and Procedures will be provided to students; parents or legal guardians; unions or professional organizations holding agreements with the Districts.
Region Voted to Approve: 10/6/20
Amherst Voted to Approve: 10/6/20
Pelham Voted to Approve: 10/6/20
Effective Date: 10/6/20
Youth Activist Art Exhibit
Youth Online Art Show on February 22nd-28th
CLICK HERE to view the slideshow
Wednesday, February 24th
6-7 pm
Click on the link below to join the event:
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/99893013899
Congratulations to ARHS student, Helen Dalton, for being awarded the ‘Best in Category Award’ for Editorial Cartoon in MA by the Herb Block Foundation. The cartoon was completed as an assignment on Black Lives Matter for...
Congratulations to ARHS student, Helen Dalton, for being awarded the ‘Best in Category Award’ for Editorial Cartoon in MA by the Herb Block Foundation. The cartoon was completed as an assignment on Black Lives Matter for...
Congratulations to ARHS student, Helen Dalton, for being awarded the ‘Best in Category Award’ for Editorial Cartoon in MA by the Herb Block Foundation. The cartoon was completed as an assignment on Black Lives Matter for...
Congratulations to ARHS student, Helen Dalton, for being awarded the ‘Best in Category Award’ for Editorial Cartoon in MA by the Herb Block Foundation. The cartoon was completed as an assignment on Black Lives Matter for...