Frequently Asked Questions: Title IX
I have heard about Title IX, what is it?
Title IX and Nondiscrimination refer to federal and state anti-discrimination laws that ensure equality in education. Napa Valley Unified School District wants all students to “Know Your Rights” and this is important when selecting courses.
What are some important “Educational Rights” I should know about?
Students have the right to counseling and equal learning opportunities in their schools. Students, you may not be excluded from participation, be denied benefits, be subjected to harassment or other forms of discrimination, be required to take a course, be denied enrollment in a course, or be evaluated and graded based upon actual or perceived personal traits and characteristics.
What is discrimination?
Discrimination can be defined as distinguishing differences between things or treating someone as inferior based on their race, sex, national origin, age or other characteristics. ...
What is nondiscrimination?
The NVUSD nondiscrimination statement is important for all students to read, ask questions about, and use as a resource to ensure students have equality in education. The Napa Valley School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals and does not allow discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment, or bullying based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, nationality/national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification/ethnicity, age, religion, marital status/ pregnancy/ parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, medical information or association with a person or group with one of more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Do female and male students have the same rights to play sports?
Yes, schools must offer female and male students equal opportunities to play sports. Equipment and supplies, game and practice schedules, budgets, coaching travel allowances, facilities, publicity, support services and tutoring offered to teams are to be equivalent between male and female teams.
I have a friend who is in 11th grade and she is pregnant, does she have rights?
Yes, pregnant and parenting students have the same rights as any other student to continue in their regular school and in any program for which they qualify. The NVUSD Board Policy 5146 Married, Pregnant, Parenting Students outlines additional guidelines to prevent nondiscrimination in district programs and activities and outlines support services, such as; child care and development services for the children of parenting students, parenting education and life skills instruction, and health care services. Pregnant and parenting students have rights to receive accommodations for lactating and breastfeeding and accommodations for absences and parental leave.
What if I have concerns or questions about these “Rights” or other “Rights”?
You are welcome to contact: your school principal, your Title IX school-site Compliance Officer, or the NVUSD Title IX Compliance Officer for Students: Director of Student Services, 2425 Jefferson St., Napa CA 94558, studentservices@nvusd.org, 707-253-3815.