Title IX of the Education Acts of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in the following areas:

SEX-BASED HARASSMENT/SEXUAL HARASSMENT (INCLUDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE)

• unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature
• sexual violence
• gender-based harassment

BP 5145.7 Sexual Harassment
AR 5145.7 Sexual Harassment

RECRUITMENT, ADMISSIONS, AND COUNSELING

• recruitment materials, admission forms, class or career selection materials, admission of students
• counseling services, brochures, materials

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• procedures and practices for awarding financial assistance to students

ATHLETICS

• requires nondiscriminatory participation based on student interests and abilities
• equal opportunities (equipment, supplies, training facilities, recruitment, support services, etc.)
• financial assistance

MARITAL OR FAMILY STATUS, PREGNANT OR PARENTING STUDENTS

• different treatment on the basis of sex based on parental, family, or marital status
• exclusion in educational programs, or activities based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy
• lactating students must be provided reasonable accommodations

DISCIPLINE

• imposing consequences based on sex, gender identity, failing to conform to stereotypical binary expectations, etc.

SCHOOLS, CLASSES, AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• providing education programs or activities separately on the basis of sex
• requiring or refusing participation by students on the basis of sex
• NOTE: The following are exceptions:
  1. contact sports in physical education
  2. classes or portions of classes…that deal primarily with human sexuality
  3. non-vocational classes and extracurricular activities within a coeducational…school if certain criteria are met.

For more detailed information refer to the Title IX Resource Guide from the Office for Civil Rights.

EMPLOYMENT

• employment, recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, grants of leave, benefits consideration or selection for employment based on pregnancy or marital status

RETALIATION

• against anyone who has reported, investigated, filed a complaint under Title IX

YOUR RIGHTS UNDER TITLE IX

Pursuant to Education Code 221.8m you have the right to:

1. fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
2. be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
3. inquire of the athletic director or your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
4. apply for athletic scholarships.
5. receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following:
   • equipment and supplies
   • scheduling of games and practices
   • transportation and allowances
   • access to tutoring
   • coaching
   • locker rooms
   • practice and competitive facilities
   • medical and training facilities and services
   • publicity
6. have access to gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding equity
7. contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
8. file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office for 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.
9. pursue remedies if you have been discriminated against.
10. protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

NOTICE OF STUDENT NONDISCRIMINATION/NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Santa Barbara Unified School District is committed to making the schools free from unlawful discrimination and providing equal opportunities for all individuals in education. The district prohibits discriminatory practices whose purpose or effect has a negative impact on the student’s academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment. The district promotes programs that ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. Any student who engages in discrimination of another student or anyone from the district may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Any employee who permits or engages in discrimination may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. A student or parent/guardian who believes that discrimination has occurred may contact the principal for immediate resolution at the site. A student or parent/guardian is not required to attempt resolution through the school site before contacting the District Title IX Coordinator.

FILING A REPORT OR INFORMAL COMPLAINT OF DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, OR BULLYING BASED ON SEX

The district believes discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying issues may be resolved at the school site. As such, students, parents, or guardians may report any act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying based on sex (in any area covered by Title IX, including sexual harassment) by a student, staff member or third party directly to the school site’s principal for immediate resolution at the school site.

• Investigation of Reports or Informal Complaints: The responsible school official will conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the complaint which will include, but is not limited to, interviewing the accuser and the accused, asking each to provide names of witnesses, interviewing potential witnesses, and gathering relevant evidence. When sex-based discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying is reported, interim steps will be taken to stop harassment and protect the accuser from further harassment pending outcome of the investigation and/or complaint. A thorough investigation is required to protect the accuser, afford due process to the accused, and to ensure resolution of the issue(s). A student, or parent or guardian, is not required to attempt resolution through the school site before contacting the District Title IX Coordinator.

At any time during the process students, parents, or guardians, may contact the Title IX Coordinator to report or file an informal complaint directly with the district.

FILING A FORMAL OR UNIFORM COMPLAINT

Pursuant to Administrative Regulation 1312.3 at any time during the site resolution process students, parents, or guardians may file a Uniform Complaint. The complaint must be in writing and state that it is a formal complaint or a Uniform Complaint. Uniform Complaint Forms may be obtained from the Office of Student Services.

AR 1312.3 Uniform Complaint Procedures

The Uniform Complaint may be mailed to or filed at:

Office of Student Services
Santa Barbara Unified School District
720 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

• Statute of Limitations – Uniform complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying based on sex (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) must be filed no later than six months from the date the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged sexual harassment. The six-month period may be extended for good cause, not to exceed an additional 90 days.

• Investigation of Uniform Complaints – The district will undertake an effective, thorough, and objective investigation of the allegations and provide a written report within 60 days of the date receipt of the Uniform Complaint. The report will include a summary of the facts, a decision on the complaint, reason for the decision and corrective actions (if applicable) that have or will be taken, including remedies for the victim. The complainant has the right to present witnesses and evidence.

• Action – If the district determines that its policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying based on sex have been violated, disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion (for students) or dismissal (for employees) will be taken. Remedial actions which are designed to end the harassment, prevent its recurrence and address its effects on the harassed student, will be provided to the victim. Remedial action(s) will also be required of the school site.

• Retaliation – The district prohibits retaliation against any participant in the complaint process including witnesses. A separate Uniform Complaint may be filed if retaliation occurs against any individual involved in the processing of discrimination, harassment, or bullying complaint. Each complaint shall be investigated promptly and in a way that respects the privacy of all parties concerned. Follow up with the student will occur to ensure the harassment has stopped and that there is no retaliation.

A student or parent/guardian is not required to attempt resolution through the school site before contacting the District Title IX Coordinator and/or filing a formal Uniform Complaint.

OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

Main Page-Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
How to File a Discrimination Complaint with the OCR

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Equal Opportunity

SBUSD CONTACTS

Staff Inquiries: John Becchio

Student Inquiries: Shakenya Edison

OVERVIEW

Santa Barbara Unified School District recognizes that school climate, safety, and learning are not separate endeavors. The District is fully committed to maximizing school safety and creating a positive learning environment. We are actively engaged in comprehensive, unified school safety planning efforts that balance age-appropriate, physical and psychological safety among all of our schools, preschool through twelfth grade.

State law requires all public schools in California to develop a comprehensive school safety plan, per California Education Code sections 32280-32289. State law further requires these safety plans to be updated annually.

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TASK FORCE ON SCHOOL CLIMATE AND SAFETY

Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Task Force on School Climate and Safety was authorized by the Board of Education in the Spring of 2018. The Task Force convened with the objective to facilitate a series of school safety and climate community forums based upon five interrelated safety topics; and to gather information to share with the Board on what is working and areas for improvement throughout the district. The five interrelated school climate and safety topics include: 1) School Safety; 2) Public Safety; 3) Cultural Proficiency & Equity; 4) Technology & Social Media; 5) Mental Health & Wellness.

Upcoming community forums as well as wrap up reports from previous events are featured on the district’s Task Force on School Climate and Safety.

This webpage is designed to provide students and families with information and resources about school climate and safety planning efforts in Santa Barbara Unified School District.

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QUICK LINKS

• Task Force on School Climate and Safety
• PREPaRE Training Curriculum
• I Love U Guys Foundation
• Signs of Suicide Prevention Program

PARENT RESOURCES

• Sandy Hook Promise
• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (nasponline.org)
• Rachel’s Challenge

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COMMUNITY PARTNERS

• Aha!
• Anti Defamation League
• Calm
• Family Service Agency
• Just Communities
• Mental Wellness Center
• Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
• Santa Barbara Police Department
• Wellness Connection Club