What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a federal law that states:

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

Watts Learning Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation in our schools. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on these bases in our schools. Title IX protects all female, male, transgender, or nonconforming students and team members in any educational entity that receives federal funds. State law also prohibits discrimination based on gender (sex), gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment and sexual violence. Sexual harassment includes verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature which may have a negative impact upon the victim’s academic or work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational/work environment.

In addition to Title IX, the California Education Code prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in schools. (California Education Code §§ 220-221.1).) Other state and federal laws also prohibit discrimination and ensure equality in education.

Who is the Title IX Coordinator for Watts Learning Center?

Dr. Monique Woodley, Executive Director 

Phone: (213) 489-4461
Email: [email protected] 

 

Where can I find information on student and public rights and the responsibilities of the public school under Title IX?

Information can be found at the following sites:

• Los Angeles Unified School District’s Educational Equity Compliance Office
• California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity
• United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights

 

 

Rights Accorded Under California Education Code Section 221.8:

The following list of rights, which are based on the relevant provisions of the federal regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.), may be used by the department for purposes of Section 221.6:

(a) You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.

(b) You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics (as applicable).

(c) You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school (as applicable).

(d) You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships (as applicable).

(e) You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following(as applicable).:

(1) Equipment and supplies.

(2) Scheduling of games and practices.

(3) Transportation and daily allowances.

(4) Access to tutoring.

(5) Coaching.

(6) Locker rooms.

(7) Practice and competitive facilities.

(8) Medical and training facilities and services.

(9) Publicity.

(f) You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.

(g) You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.

(h) You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights or the State Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex.

(i) You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.

(j) You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

(Added by renumbering Section 271 by Stats. 2015, Ch. 43, Sec. 3. (AB 1538) Effective January 1, 2016.)

How may I file a discrimination complaint?

Any student, parent, guardian, team member, individual, public agency or organization may file a written complaint alleging a violation by Watts Learning Center of federal or state laws or regulations governing the programs and activities, as well as allegations of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, under the Watts Learning Center’s Uniform Complaint Procedure.

You may file a complaint with Watts Learning Center’s Title IX Coordinator:

Dr. Monique Woodley, Executive Director 

Phone: (213) 489-4461
Email: [email protected] 

A complaint may be filed anonymously, but the school’s ability to investigate and respond may be limited by lack of information.

You may also file a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights:

San Francisco Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
50 United Nations Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 486-5555
Fax: (415) 486-5570; TDD: (800) 877-8339
Email: [email protected]
United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Complaint Form

For more information, visit the Office for Civil Rights Website. The electronic complaint form for the Office for Civil Rights is available online.