Title IX

Title IX

Title IX: Prohibiting Sex-Based Discrimination

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in all educational programs and activities, including athletic programs. No person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity operated by ICOE.  Title IX protects all participants in ICOE’s educational programs and activities, including students, parents, employees, and job applicants. ICOE does not discriminate on the basis of sex.  Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment and sexual violence.

In addition to Title IX, the California Education Code prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in schools. (California Education Code §§ 220-221.1.) Other state and federal laws also prohibit discrimination and ensure equality in education. Please refer to an overview of all ICOE’s nondiscrimination policies and the following specific policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment:

Title IX Training

Sexual Harassment & Discrimination

Information provided here applies to every ICOE school site and all ICOE programs and activities.

Pupil and Public Rights Under Title IX (Ed Code Section 221.8)

Education Code section 221.8 provides as follows:

The following list of rights, which are based on the relevant provisions of the federal regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C § 1681 et seq.), may be used by the department for purposes of Section 221.6:

  1. You have the right to fair and equitable treatment, and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
  2. You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
  3. You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
  4. You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.
  5. You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following:
    1. Equipment and supplies
    2. Scheduling of games and practices
    3. Transportation and daily allowances
    4. Access to tutoring
    5. Coaching
    6. Locker rooms
    7. Practice and competitive facilities
    8. Medical and training facilities and services
    9. Publicity
  6. You have the right to have access to the Title IX coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.
  7. You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
  8. You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights or the State Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex/gender.
  9. You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
  10. You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

Filing a Title IX Complaint with Imperial County Office of Education

A complaint alleging unlawful discrimination or retaliation must be filed no later than six months from the date the discrimination or retaliation occurred, or six months from when the complainant first learned of the unlawful discrimination. The Superintendent or designee may extend this timeline by up to ninety days for good cause, upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the extension.

A student, parent, guardian, employee, individual, or organization may file a written complaint alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying on the basis of a protected characteristic under ICOE’s Uniform Complaint Procedure by sending a complaint to ICOE’s Title IX Coordinator.

Title IX Coordinator

The following is responsible for receiving and investigating student and staff complaints and ensuring our compliance:

Name: Martha Garcia, Senior Director Human Resources
Office: Human Resources, Building B, ICOE
Address: 1398 Sperber Road, El Centro, CA 92243
Phone: (760) 312-6625
Email: martha.garcia@icoe.org
Title IX Flow Chart

Additional Resources