Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in all educational programs and activities, including athletic programs. No person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity operated by the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools ("FCSS"). Title IX protects all participants in FCSS' educational programs and activities, including students, parents, employees, and job applicants. The FCSS does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Please refer to the FCSS non-discrimination policies and the following specific policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment.
Non-Discrimination/Harassment (Employees)
Sexual Harassment
Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures
The FCSS recognizes the right of every pupil to be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, including physical, psychological and/or sexual harassment and discrimination, and bullying based on actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, face or ethnicity, religion, set, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, and declares its intent to act promptly, visibly and vigorously to eliminate such activity from the school environment. It is the Superintendent's policy to prohibit any form of harassment and to provide a mechanism for the reporting and resolution of complaints of harassment and discrimination.
Please refer to the FCSS non-discrimination policies and the following specific polices and procedures regarding sexual harassment for students.
Nondiscrimination/Harassment (SP & BP)
Nondiscrimination/Harassment (AR)
Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment (SP & BP)
Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment (AR)
Title IX Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment Complaint Procedures (AR)
Uniform Complaint Procedure
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Education Equity
The FCSS further recognizes that every pupil have a safe, welcoming learning environment, prohibiting harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, intimidation and bullying, and to ensure equity in education shall:
- Apply no rule concerning a student’s actual or potential parental, family, or marital status that treats students differently on the basis of sex.
- Not exclude or deny any student from any educational program or activity solely on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom.
- Ensure that pregnant students and parenting male or female students are not excluded from participation in their regular school programs or required to participate in pregnant-student programs or alternative educational programs.
- Ensure that pregnant/parenting students who voluntarily participate in alternative programs are given educational programs, activities and courses equal to the regular program.
- Treat pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and recovery therefrom in the same manner and under the same policies as any other temporary disability.
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Pupil and Public Rights Under Title IX
- You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
- You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
- You have the right to have access to a sex/gender equity coordinator, referred to as the Title IX Coordinator to answer questions regarding sex/gender equity laws.
- You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on sex/gender equity laws.
- You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the California 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.
- You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
- You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.
—(California Education Code § 221.8.)
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Title IX Training Materials
The FCSS and Title IX Coordinator are aware and acknowledge the new Title IX regulations effective August 1, 2024. The FCSS Title IX Team received training and have made the Title IX training materials available online for review.
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Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Diane Lira, Deputy Superintendent, Instructional Division
Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
1111 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: (559) 265-4072
Email: dlira@fcoe.org
