Non-Discrimination Statement

PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The Pittsburgh Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, gender (including gender identity or expression), sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, or disability in its programs. activities or employment and provides equal access to designated youth groups.

A copy of the Non-Discrimination Policy may be found on the District’s Publicly Accessible Website at

102: Nondiscrimination in School and Classroom Practices

102.3: Nondiscrimination - Transgender and Gender Expansive Students

102.5: Equity and Excellence in Education

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Concerns or inquiries regarding sex discrimination/ harassment, gender identity, pregnancy-related or retaliation involving students (Title IX) can be made to the District’s Title IX Compliance Offcier in the Office of Equity or the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Dr. Kymberly Cruz

Title IX Compliance Officier

341 S. Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

kcruz1@pghschools.org

TitleIXcomplianceofficer@pghschools.org

412-529-3726

Concerns or inquiries regarding race, color, national origin discrimination, harassment or bias based harm involving students (Title VI) can be made to the District’s Office of Equity.

Tamara Eldridge

Manager, Equity

teldridge4@pghschools.org

341 S. Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

TitleVI@pghschools.org

412-529-3823

Submit a Complaint

Before you Report a Violation, ensure it is Title IX or Title VI

Click Here to Submit a Concern/Complaint

Title IX: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all federally assisted education programs and activities, including interscholastic and co-curricular athletics.

Title VI: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in all federally assisted education programs and activities.

Student Rights Under Title IX and Title VI

Title IX protects students from discrimination based on sex in any education program or activity that receives federal funding.

Students have the right to an education free from sexual harassment, sexual violence, or any form of gender-based discrimination.
Schools are required to take immediate and appropriate action to investigate and address any complaints of sex discrimination.
Students are entitled to equal opportunities in athletics, admissions, financial aid, and other school programs, regardless of gender.
Retaliation against a student for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation is prohibited.

Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.

Students have the right to an education free from racial or ethnic discrimination, including segregation and unequal treatment.
Schools must ensure that all students have equal access to programs, services, and activities, regardless of race or national origin.
Language barriers should not prevent students from participating fully in their education, and schools must provide appropriate language assistance services.
Retaliation against a student for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation is prohibited.

Definitions

Complainant shall mean an individual who is alleged to be the victim.

Consent is agreement, assent, approval, or permission given voluntarily and may be communicated verbally or by actions.

Respondent shall mean an individual alleged to be the perpetrator of the discriminatory conduct.

Discrimination shall mean to treat individuals differently, or to harass or victimize based on a protected classification including race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, gender (including gender identity or expression), sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, or disability.

Harassment is a form of discrimination based on the protected classifications listed in this policy consisting of unwelcome conduct such as graphic, written, electronic, verbal or nonverbal acts including offensive jokes, slurs, epithets and name-calling, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, or other conduct that may be harmful or humiliating or interfere with a person’s school or school-related performance when such conduct is:

Sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive; and
A reasonable person in the complainant’s position would find that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment such that it deprives or adversely interferes with or limits an individual or group of the ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or opportunities offered by a school.

Information for Parents/Families

Supporting Your Child’s Understanding of Their Rights:

Begin by having open conversations with your child about their rights under Title IX and Title VI. Explain that Title IX is a federal law that protects them from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity, including protections against sexual harassment, assault, and gender-based discrimination. Additionally, discuss Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Make sure your child understands that they are protected from any form of racial discrimination or harassment in their school environment. Empower your child to speak up by encouraging them to come to you or another trusted adult if they ever feel uncomfortable or believe they are being treated unfairly. Emphasize the importance of reporting any instances of discrimination or harassment so that appropriate actions can be taken to ensure their safety and well-being. Discuss different scenarios with your child to help them recognize what discrimination or harassment might look like, such as being excluded from activities, receiving inappropriate comments, or experiencing unwanted physical contact. Additionally, review the school's policies related to Title IX and Title VI together, so they are aware of the procedures in place to protect them.

Taking Action if Discrimination or Harassment Occurs:

If your child experiences discrimination or harassment, whether based on sex under Title IX or race, color, or national origin under Title VI, start by documenting the details of the incident(s), including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses or involved parties. This documentation will be crucial when filing a report. Contact the District’s Title IX Compliance Officer or Equity Office to report the incident, providing them with the documented details, and ask for a clear explanation of the next steps in the investigation process. It’s important to understand the timeline for the investigation and what measures will be put in place to protect your child during this time. Stay in close communication with the District throughout the investigation to ensure that the issue is being addressed adequately. If needed, seek additional support, such as counseling services or external resources, especially if your child is struggling emotionally or academically due to the incident. Beyond addressing specific incidents, consider becoming involved in broader school or district initiatives that promote awareness and prevention of discrimination.

Encourage Ongoing Dialogue:

Maintain open communication with your child by regularly checking in on their school experience to ensure they feel safe and supported. Make an effort to stay informed about changes in Title IX and Title VI policies at both the federal and school levels, as this knowledge will help you better advocate for your child and others. Work collaboratively with school administrators and teachers to ensure that your child’s rights are respected, and encourage the school to provide ongoing training and education to staff and students about Title IX, Title VI, and related issues.