What is Title IX?  Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, protects students from discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX states that:  No person shall, based on sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other education program or activity operated by a recipient which receives Federal financial assistance.  Esperanza Cyber Charter School (ECCS) is committed to complying with Title IX. It has a policy and procedure that covers student-on-student and employee-on-student sexual harassment.     When Does Title IX Apply?  Title IX covers sexual harassment in a school’s education program or activity. Including locations, events, and circumstances where a school exercises substantial control over the context of the alleged harassment and the person accused of committing the sexual harassment.    What is Sexual Harassment Considered Under Title IX? Title IX prohibits the following conduct based on sex that satisfies one or more of the following: 

• Unwelcome conduct that is objectively offensive and effectively denies a person equal access to the school’s education program or activity. 
• School employees condition educational benefits on participation in unwelcome sexual conduct, otherwise known as “Quid Pro Quo” harassment. 
• Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking

  How Will ECCS Respond to Allegations/Knowledge of Sexual Harassment?

• Any person, whether the alleged victim or a parent, friend, or bystander, has the right to report sexual harassment to any staff member at ECCS. 
• All ECCS staff must report any sexual harassment witnessed within the learning environment to the Title IX Coordinator. 
• ECCS is obligated to take action once there is knowledge or accusations of sexual harassment.
• A grievance procedure will take place once a complaint is made.
• The Title IX Coordinator will investigate allegations and turn evidence over to the Decision Making Panel where actions will then be taken.
• Both the complainant and respondent have equal rights throughout the investigation and hearing:
  • The opportunity to present witnesses (including experts)
  • The opportunity to present evidence (inculpatory and exculpatory)
• No one will be forced, threatened, coerced, or discriminated against for choosing not to be a part of this grievance process.
• The Title IX Coordinator will arrange for supportive measures for the complainant. Such supporting measures could include:
  • Counseling
  • Extension of deadlines
  • Modification of work or class schedules
  • Escort services
  • Mutual restrictions on contact between individuals

How to File a Complaint?

1. Anyone can file a report (student, friend, parent, family member, teacher, staff member, administration)
2. Download the ECCS Report Form
3. Be sure to complete all sections of the form. 
4. Be as specific as possible when discussing the incidents. Your report is not limited to the space provided. You are encouraged to attach additional materials to assist the investigation process.
5. Please be sure to include: the date(s), the incident(s) that occurred, the name(s) of the person(s) involved, and the name(s) of those who may have witnessed the incident(s).
6. Sign and email the form to either the Title IX Coordinator, Morgan Baker: mbaker@esperanzacybercs.net, or any school leadership.

To view the Title IX Policy in detail click on the following link Title IX Policy If you have questions regarding the complaint process and/or complaint form, please contact the Title IX Coordinator: Morgan Baker – Title IX Coordinator Phone: 267-473-2655 Fax: 215-689-1400 Mailing Address: Morgan Baker Title IX Coordinator 4261 N. 5th Street  Philadelphia, PA 19140

Training

Title IX Technical Assistance:

• Fact Sheet: Final Title IX Regulations
• S. Department of Education Title IX Final Rule Overview
• Summary of Major Provisions of the Title IX Final Rule and Comparison to the NPRM

Title IX Webinars:

• The First Amendment and Title IX: An OCR Short Webinar
• OCR Short Webinar on How to Report Sexual Harassment under Title IX
• Conducting and Adjudicating Title IX Hearings: An OCR Training Webinar
• OCR Webinar on Due Process Protections under the New Title IX Regulations
• OCR Webinar on New Title IX Protections Against Sexual Assault
• OCR Webinar: Title IX Regulations Addressing Sexual Harassment
• OCR Short Webinar on Sexual Violence in Public Schools

Title IX Blog Entries:

• August 14, 2020 Effective Date and Retroactivity
• Live Hearings, Excluding Reliance on a Party’s Statements, and Verbal Conduct
• The Requirement to Update School Websites with Important Title IX Information
• Introduction to the Title IX Final Rule

Title IX PowerPoint:

• https://www.esperanzacyber.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Title-IX-pptx.pdf

Title IX Training/Certifications:

• K-12 Title IX Coordinator & Administrator One: Foundations Training & Certification Course