Non-Discrimination Policy

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

Review the District's Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P.

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to

unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

Visit board policies and procedures to review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P.

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the school district staff members at the bottom of this page to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Notice about how you can appeal the decision

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the school board and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P).

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) to fully resolve your complaint.

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying:

OSPI School Safety Center

• OSPI School Safety Website
• Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6068

For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office

• OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office Website
• Email: equity@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6162

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)

• WA State Governor's Office of Education Ombuds Website
• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
• Phone: 1-866-297-2597

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

• Office of Civil Rights Website
• Email: orc@ed.gov
• Phone: 800-421-3481

Renton School District offers classes in many career and technical education program areas (agriscience, business and marketing, family and consumer science, health sciences, production art, skilled and technical sciences, visual communications and STEM) under its open admissions policy. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, contact:

Kevin Smith
Career and Technical Director
300 SW 7th Street
Renton, WA  98057
425-204-2310