Title IX Grievance Procudure

Employees or students claiming sexual harassment or other sex discrimination may first discuss the grievance with their principal or immediate supervisor, with the object of resolving the matter informally. A student, parent, employee or third party individual with a sex discrimination/harassment complaint may discuss it with the teacher, counselor, or Administrator involved. Level I of the grievance procedure is informal and optional and may be by passed by the grievant. 

If the grievance is not resolved at Level 1 with the Administrator or Designee and the grievant wishes to pursue the grievance, or if Level I is not appropriate for resolving the grievance, the grievance may be formalized by filing a written complaint, providing an interview, or an assisted written complaint when necessary. The Administrator or Designee will seek a list of witnesses or evidence from the grievant, the accused and others as relevant as part of the investigation. The Administrator will conduct a formal investigation under the direct supervision of Hope Academy's Title IX Coordinator, Mrs. Laura A. Carroll. The complaint shall state the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested. The filing of the formal, written complaint at Level 2 must be within six months from the day of the event giving rise to the grievance or from the date the grievant could reasonably become aware of such an occurrence. The grievant may request that a meeting concerning the complaint be held with the Title IX Coordinator. A minor student may be accompanied at that meeting by a parent or guardian. A written report from the Administrator to the grievant and accused regarding action taken will be sent within fifteen (15) working days after receipt of the complaint.

Investigating the Complaint

• The Administrator or Designee will conduct a prompt investigation of the complaint and complete the investigation in a timely manner. The Administrator or Designee will inform and consult with Hope Academy's Title IX Coordinator prior, during and after the investigative process. The Administrator will document the investigative activities (e.g. takes notes of interviews conducted). The time to complete the investigation will vary depending on the nature and complexity of the issue but generally will not take more than ten (10) working days after receipt of the complaint.
• The investigation may include interviews of the grievant, the individual(s) accused of engaging in discriminatory or harassing behavior, and any other witness who may reasonably be expected to have relevant information. All interviewed parties and witnesses will be provided an opportunity to present any evidence they reasonably believe could be relevant to the situation.
• Hope Academy will respect the privacy of the grievant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is made, and the witnesses to the extent possible consistent with Hope Academy's legal obligations to investigate and take appropriate action and to comply with discovery and disclosure obligations. All records generated in connection with the investigation will be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
• If a complaint is made about any of the persons having responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of the policy forbidding sex discrimination and harassment, the School Committee Chair will appoint an independent person to assume those responsibilities.
• At the conclusion of the investigation, the Administrator or Designee will obtain a signature from the Title IX Coordinator indicating proper oversight of the investigation. In addition to providing a written report to the grievant and accused regarding action taken within fifteen (15) working days after receipt of the complaint, as described above, the Administrator or Designee will also prepare a written report to deliver to the Chief Administrator summarizing the evidence gathered during the investigation, providing a determination whether or to what extent the complaint has been substantiated, and recommending the corrective action if appropriate. The corrective action should be designed to stop the harassment/discrimination, prevent it from recurring, and remedy its effects, including services to the victim(s), if appropriate.

If the complaint is not resolved at Level 2, the grievant or accused may proceed to Level 3 by presenting a written appeal to the Chief Administrator within ten (10) working days after the grievant receives the report from the Administrator or Designee. The grievant or accused may request a meeting with the Chief Administrator or his/her designee. The Chief Administrator or his/her designee has the option of meeting with the grievant or accused to discuss the appeal. A written decision will be rendered by the Chief Administrator or his/her designee within ten (10) working days after receiving the written appeal.

 The procedure in no way denies the right of the grievant or accused to file a formal complaint at any time with the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or other agencies available for mediation or rectification of grievances, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination.