Purpose

To provide students with an administrative remedy through which to seek redress for alleged violations, misinterpretations, and inequitable applications of Lake Washington School District policies and practices which prohibit sex discrimination in all District education programs, activities, and opportunities.

Definitions

Grievance: A formal written complaint:

1. Setting forth the allegation that there has been a violation, misinterpretation, or inequitable application of any district policy or practice relative to Federal or State anti-discrimination legislation.
2. Specifically identifying the policy or statute violated, misinterpreted, or inequitably applied.
3. furnishing sufficient background concerning the alleged violation, misinterpretation, or inequitable application to identify persons, actions and/or omissions that led to the allegation.

Student/Grievant:

Any Lake Washington School District student, grades K - 12, and Vocational Education Students aggrieved by a decision or condition falling under the guidelines of Federal or State anti-sex discrimination legislation, or the parent(s) or legal guardian acting on behalf of the student.

Compliance Officer:

The School District employee designated to coordinate compliance efforts with Federal and State anti-sex discrimination legislation and charged with the responsibility of investigating complaints relative to Title IX.

Procedure

Level 1. Informal

A student with a complaint shall first present it orally and informally to his/her teacher. If the complaint is not promptly resolved, the student may then discuss the complaint with the principal/unit administrator, who shall work with the student to resolve the complaint as fairly and expeditiously as possible.

Level 2. Formal

1. If the student is not satisfied with the decision reached at the informal stage, he/she may request a review of the complaint by completing and submitting, within ten days of that decision, the Title IX Student Grievance Review Form (JFH-E) to the next appropriate school administrator. Upon receipt of the request, this administrator shall investigate, collect, and evaluate all facts as necessary. Within ten days of receipt of the review request, the Administrator shall make recommendation(s) toward resolution, giving consideration to the best interests of the student and the district consistent with Federal and State anti-discrimination legislation.
2. If the student is not satisfied with the decision reached at Level 2-A he/she may appeal the decision to the Compliance Officer/Affirmative Action Officer within five days after the decision reached at Level 2-A. The Compliance Officer shall then evaluate the evidence and render a decision within seven days after receiving the appeal.
3. If the student is not satisfied with the decision reached at Level 2-B, he/she may, within ten days after the decision at Level 2-B file the complaint with the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors. Upon receiving the complaint, the matter shall then be placed on the board agenda for consideration at the next appropriate board meeting. A final decision shall be made within ten days from said meeting. This decision shall be final and binding subject only to the student's right to appeal to the appropriate governmental agency.

Approved:
8/2/76

Revised:
5/7/90
8/22/05
8/30/05

LEGAL REFS.:
RCW 28A.640, 49.60
WAC 180-40-215, 392-190
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

CROSS REFS.:
Teaching About Religion (IGAC)
Student Complaints and Grievances(JFH-E)