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Office for Civil Rights

The focus of the PPS Office for Civil Rights  is to promote a district that is free from abuse, discrimination, harassment, bullying, and retaliation.  A key component of this work is the aligned coordination and monitoring of the District’s compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, and disability.

The Office engages collaboratively to remove barriers to academic programs and activities to provide an equitable, inclusive, and safe learning and work environment. By working together to safeguard civil rights, we positively impact school communities.

• Every student must feel like they belong. 
• All are entitled to discrimination/harassment-free schools. 
• We are all responsible for keeping schools safe. 
• All who engage with our school communities are entitled to participate in school-related activities without fear for their personal safety

What We Do:

Coordination

Responsible for coordinating the District’s response to all reports of abuse, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, involving students. Our efforts promote civil rights and the well being of the whole child while maintaining procedural and regulatory compliance. This includes claims falling under Title VI and Title IX.

Investigations

Responsible for designing, training, and supporting building administration and each building designated coordinators with implementation of trauma-informed investigations for Title VI, Title IX, and ADA Title II.  This team facilitates the most serious or complex allegations of misconduct between students and civil rights discrimination, such as racial discrimination. This team is also responsible for investigations in collaboration with Human Resources related to serious employee misconduct towards students, including allegations of physical/verbal abuse, corporal punishment, and sex/gender-based or racial discrimination.

Training and Prevention

Creates district-wide student and staff training and prevention programming that both safeguards against future harm and prepares our district staff to address any instance of harm promptly and appropriately. This team is also responsible for promoting agency and awareness among students and parents/guardians, ensuring they are fully informed of the resources and support available to them. Training offered meets all mandates required under federal, state, and local laws to include training on Title VI and Title IX.

Compliance

Responsible for ensuring District’s implementation of Title IX , Title VI, Section 504, and ADA TItle II and addressing other systemic inequities including academic inequity, maintaining up-to-date policies and procedures that are compliant with federal, state, and local laws.