Policy - AC

POLICY: AC

EFFECTIVE DATE: 12-7-22

CANCELS SHEETS DATED: 6-2-10, 2-4-09, 8-13-03, 11-04-20

REVIEWED BY POLICY COMMITTEE: 9-23-20, 10-12-22

Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and

Affirmative Action

The RSU #74 school unit does not discriminate on the basis of sex or other protected categories in its education programs and activities, as required by federal and state laws/regulations.

Discrimination against and harassment of RSU #74 school employees because of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability or genetic information are prohibited.

Discrimination against and harassment of RSU #74 students because of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry or national origin, or disability are prohibited.

For the purpose of this policy, “race” includes traits associated with race, including hair texture, Afro hairstyles, and protective hairstyles, including braids, twists, and locs.

The RSU #74 Board directs the school administration to implement a continuing program designed to prevent discrimination against all applicants, employees, students and other individuals having access rights to school premises and activities.

The RSU #74 school unit has designated and authorized an Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator who is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal and state requirements relating to nondiscrimination, including sexual harassment. The Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator is a person with direct access to the Superintendent.

The RSU #74 school unit has implemented complaint procedures for resolving complaints of discrimination/harassment and sexual harassment under this policy. The RSU #74 school unit provides required notices of these complaint procedures and how they can be accessed, as well as the RSU #74 school unit’s compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations to all applicants for employment, employees, students, parents and other interested parties.

Legal Reference: Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-261),

amending Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000 (e) et seq.)

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.); 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX regulations)

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d)

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.)

Equal Pay Act of 1963 (29 U.S.C. § 206)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.), as amended

Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.), as amended

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. § 2000ff et seq.)

Maine Human Rights Act (5 MRSA § 4551 et seq.), as amended

Cross Reference:

ACAA – Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students

ACAA-R – Student Discrimination/Harassment and Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures

Cross Reference (cont.)

ACAB – Harassment and Sexual Harassment of School Employees

ACAB-R – Employee Discrimination/Harassment and Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures