Nondiscrimination Policy
Nondiscrimination on The Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities
The Board of Education of the Caro Community School District (hereinafter referred to as “the Board” or “the District”) does not discriminate on the basis of sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), in its education programs or activities, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and its implementing regulations, not to discriminate in such a manner. The requirement not to discriminate in its education program or activity extends to admission and employment. The Board is committed to maintaining an education and work environment that is free from discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment.
Pursuant to its Title IX obligations, the Board is committed to eliminating Sexual Harassment and will take appropriate action when an individual is determined responsible for violating this policy. Board employees, students, Third Party vendors and contractors, guests, and other members of the School District community who commit Sexual Harassment are subject to the full range of disciplinary sanctions set forth in Board Policy 2266. The Board will provide persons who have experienced Sexual Harassment ongoing remedies as reasonably necessary to restore or preserve access to the District’s education programs and activities.
Title IX Coordinators
Matt Branding
High School Principal
989-673-3165
301 N Hooper St, Caro, MI 48723
mbranding@carok12.org
Lindsay Bitzer
High School Assistant Principal
989-673-3165
301 N Hooper St, Caro, MI 48723
lbitzer@carok12.org
Report of Sexual Discrimination/Harassment
Any person may report sex discrimination, including Sexual Harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or Sexual Harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the Title IX Coordinator’s(s’) contact information listed above, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s oral or written report. Reports may be made at any time (including during non-business hours), by using the telephone number(s) or electronic mail address(es), or by mail to the office address(es), listed for the Title IX Coordinator(s). Anonymous reports may be submitted using the form, Title IX Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint Form, found below, or by the hotline reporting number 989-673-3160 ext:1012.
Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment
A Formal Complaint may be filed with the Title IX Coordinator in person, by mail, or by electronic mail, by using the contact information set forth above. If a Formal Complaint involves allegations of Sexual Harassment by or involving the Title IX Coordinator, the Complainant should submit the Formal Complaint to the Superintendent, who will designate another person to serve in place of the Title IX Coordinator for the limited purpose of implementing the grievance process with respect to that Formal Complaint.
When the Title IX Coordinator receives a Formal Complaint or signs a Formal Complaint, the District will follow its Grievance Process, as set forth in Board Policy 2266. Specifically, the District will undertake an objective evaluation of all relevant evidence – including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence – and provide that credibility determinations will not be based on a person’s status as a Complainant, Respondent, or witness.
Grievance Process
The Board is committed to promptly and equitably resolving student and employee complaints alleging Sexual Harassment. The District’s response to allegations of Sexual Harassment will treat Complainants and Respondents equitably, including providing supportive measures to the Complainant and Respondent, as appropriate, and following this Grievance Process before imposition of any disciplinary sanctions or other actions, other than supportive measures, against the Respondent.
If a determination of responsibility for Sexual Harassment is made against the Respondent, the Board will provide remedies to the Complainant. The remedies will be designed to restore or preserve equal access to the District’s education program or activity. Potential remedies include, but are not limited to, individualized services that constitute supportive measures. Remedies may also be disciplinary or punitive in nature and may burden the Respondent.
Confidentiality
The District will keep confidential the identity of any individual who has made a report or complaint of sex discrimination, including any individual who has made a report or filed a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment, any Complainant, any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of sex discrimination, any Respondent, and any witness, except as may be permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"), 20 U.S.C. 1232g, or FERPA regulations, 34 CFR part 99, or as required by law, or to carry out the purposes of 34 CFR part 106, including the conduct of any investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding arising thereunder (i.e., the District’s obligation to maintain confidentiality shall not impair or otherwise affect the Complainant’s and Respondent’s receipt of the information to which they are entitled related to the investigative record and determination of responsibility).
Board of Education Policy 2266