AC Nondiscrimination-Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

NONDISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

RSU 1 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 school employees because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, familial status, disability or genetic information are prohibited.

Discrimination against and harassment of students because of 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 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.

RSU 1 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.

RSU 1 has implemented complaint procedures for resolving complaints of discrimination/harassment and sexual harassment under this policy. The school unit provides required notices of these complaint procedures and how they can be accessed, as well as the 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 Opportunities 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: RSU 1 Affirmative Action Plan ACAA - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students ACAA-R – Student Discrimination/Harassment and Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures ACAB - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of School Employees ACAB-R – Employee Discrimination/Harassment and Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures JICK - Bullying

Adopted: December 16, 2013 Revised: November 16, 2020; October 24, 2022

This is a required policy