Title IX

Mr.George Borelli, District Title IX Coordinator

(413) 593 9090 | Email

Hampden Charter School of Science (“HCSS” or “the School”) is committed to providing an educational and work environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex.

HCSS does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates, including admissions and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner.

Questions regarding the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the HCSS Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”), or both.

Title IX Protections

Title IX protects students, employees, applicants for admission or employment, and other individuals participating or attempting to participate in HCSS education programs and activities from unlawful discrimination based on sex.

Conduct prohibited by Title IX may include, as applicable:

• Sexual harassment
• Sexual assault
• Dating violence
• Domestic violence
• Stalking
• Other forms of sex discrimination
• Discrimination related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom
• Retaliation against an individual for reporting discrimination or harassment or participating in a Title IX process

HCSS is committed to providing students and employees with access to its programs and activities without unlawful discrimination based on sex.

Reporting a Title IX Concern

Any student, parent or guardian, employee, applicant, or other individual may report possible sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or retaliation.

Reports may be made directly to the Title IX Coordinator:

• In person
• By telephone
• By email
• By mail
• Through another method that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the report

A report may be made at any time, including outside regular school hours.

An individual does not need to determine whether conduct legally qualifies as Title IX discrimination or harassment before making a report. HCSS will review the information and determine the appropriate procedure.

Title IX Coordinator

The Title IX Coordinator coordinates HCSS's efforts to comply with Title IX and oversees the School's response to reports and complaints of sex discrimination and sexual harassment.

District Title IX Coordinator

Name: Mr. Borelli
Title: District Title IX Coordinator
Address: 20 Johnson Rd, Chicopee, MA 01022
Phone: 413-593-9090
Email: gborelli@hampdencharter.org

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What Happens After a Report

When HCSS receives notice of possible sexual harassment or sex discrimination, the Title IX Coordinator will review the information and respond in accordance with applicable Title IX requirements and School policies.

As appropriate, the Title IX Coordinator may:

1. Contact the complainant to discuss the reported conduct;
2. Explain available supportive measures;
3. Explain the process for filing a formal complaint, when applicable;
4. Determine whether the reported conduct falls within the School’s Title IX grievance procedures or another applicable School policy; and
5. Coordinate the School’s response.

A determination that reported conduct does not fall within the Title IX grievance process does not necessarily mean that the conduct is permissible. The matter may still be addressed under HCSS harassment, discrimination, student conduct, employee conduct, or other applicable policies.

Supportive Measures

HCSS may offer appropriate supportive measures to complainants or respondents before or after the filing of a formal complaint, or when no formal complaint has been filed, as permitted by applicable Title IX regulations.

Supportive measures are individualized services intended to restore or preserve access to HCSS education programs and activities without unreasonably burdening another person.

Depending on the circumstances, supportive measures may include:

• Counseling referrals
• Academic supports
• Schedule adjustments
• Changes in class or work assignments
• Increased supervision
• Safety planning
• Restrictions on contact
• Changes in work locations or reporting arrangements
• Leave or other appropriate accommodations
• Other individualized measures appropriate to the circumstances

Supportive measures are generally non-disciplinary and non-punitive.

Title IX Formal Complaint and Grievance Procedures

HCSS maintains grievance procedures for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging conduct prohibited by Title IX.

When a formal complaint is filed or signed in circumstances requiring use of the Title IX grievance process, HCSS will follow its applicable Title IX Grievance Procedures.

Those procedures include, as applicable:

• Written notice of the allegations;
• An impartial investigation;
• An equal opportunity for the parties to identify witnesses and present relevant evidence;
• An opportunity for the parties to review and respond to evidence;
• An objective evaluation of relevant evidence;
• A determination by an appropriately designated decision-maker;
• Written notice of the determination; and
• Appeal rights available under the applicable grievance procedure.

Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and individuals facilitating informal resolutions may not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent.

Pregnancy

HCSS does not discriminate against students or employees on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, recovery therefrom, or other pregnancy-related conditions protected by applicable law.

Students who believe they have experienced discrimination related to pregnancy or need assistance accessing educational programs during pregnancy should contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Additional rights and accommodations may also be available under federal and Massachusetts law and HCSS policies.

Privacy

HCSS will respect the privacy of individuals involved in a Title IX report or complaint to the extent reasonably possible and consistent with applicable law.

Information may be shared with individuals who have a legitimate need to know in order to respond to the report, provide supportive measures, conduct an investigation, comply with legal obligations, or implement appropriate action.

HCSS cannot guarantee complete confidentiality when disclosure is necessary to fulfill its legal responsibilities.

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against an individual for reporting possible sex discrimination or sexual harassment, filing or participating in a complaint, providing information during an investigation, or exercising rights protected by Title IX is prohibited.

Reports of possible retaliation should be made promptly to the Title IX Coordinator or another appropriate School administrator.

HCSS will address allegations of retaliation in accordance with applicable law and School policy.

External Complaints

Individuals may also contact or file a complaint with:

U.S. Department of Education

Office for Civil Rights

Information regarding OCR and its complaint process is available through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Individuals are not required to complete HCSS's internal grievance process before contacting OCR when permitted by law.

Title IX Training Materials

HCSS makes publicly available the materials used to train its Title IX Coordinator, investigators, decision-makers, and individuals who facilitate informal resolution processes, as required by applicable Title IX regulations.
Training Materials

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Additional Policies and Procedures

For additional information, please review:

• HCSS Title IX Grievance Procedures
• Nondiscrimination Policy
• Harassment and Discrimination Policy
• Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
• Student Handbook
• Employee Handbook

HCSS is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and equitable educational and work environment and to responding promptly and appropriately to reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

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