Title IX Rights, Responsibilities, and Complaint Procedures

AR 5145.71

1. Title IX Coordinator Contact Information

(California Education Code § 221.61(a))

The District's designated Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing compliance with Title IX, coordinating the investigation of complaints, and ensuring equal educational opportunities.

  • Name of Title IX Coordinator: Kip Ward
  • Position / Title: Deputy Superintendent
  • Office Address: 2690 Cienega Rd, Hollister CA, 95023
  • Telephone Number: 831-630-6300
  • Email Address: TITLEIX@hesd.org

2. Pupil Rights Under Education Code Section 221.8

(California Education Code § 221.61(b) & § 221.8)

In accordance with California Education Code Section 221.8, pupils have the following rights regarding gender equity and athletics/educational activities:

  1. You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
  2. You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
  3. You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
  4. You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.
  5. You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following:
    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.
  6. You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.
  7. You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
  8. 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.
  9. You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
  10. You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

External Web Links to Rights and Responsibilities:

Title IX Rights, Responsibilities, and Complaint Procedures - Continued

3. Statute of Limitations for Filing a Title IX Complaint

(California Education Code § 221.61(c))

  • Standard Filing Deadline: A Title IX complaint alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying based on sex or gender must generally be filed within 180 calendar days from the date the alleged incident occurred or from the date the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination.
  • Filing Beyond the Statute of Limitations: An extension of the 180-day filing deadline may be granted by the Title IX Coordinator or the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for good cause shown (such as ongoing discrimination, incapacitation, or newly discovered evidence). If you need to file a complaint past the 180-day deadline, please contact the Title IX Coordinator in writing outlining the reason for the delay.

4. Title IX Complaint Investigation Process & Right to Pursue Complaints

(California Education Code § 221.61(d))

How Title IX Complaints Are Investigated by the District:

  1. Intake & Supportive Measures: Upon receipt of a written or verbal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the complainant to discuss available supportive measures (such as counseling, class adjustments, or no-contact orders) regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed.
  2. Impartial Investigation: If a formal complaint is initiated, an impartial investigator will conduct a thorough investigation, including interviewing parties and witnesses and reviewing physical or digital evidence.
  3. Equal Opportunity to Present Evidence: Both the complainant and respondent will have an equal opportunity to present witnesses and evidence.
  4. Written Investigation Report: Upon conclusion of the investigation, a written decision detailing findings of fact, conclusions regarding policy violations, remedies, and disciplinary actions will be issued to both parties simultaneously.
  5. Appeals: Either party may appeal the decision under the District’s designated appeal procedures within the timeframe specified in the decision letter.

How to Further Pursue a Complaint Externally: If you are dissatisfied with the District’s determination, or if you prefer to file directly with the federal government, you have the right to pursue your complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) or appeal local district decisions to the California Department of Education (CDE).

5. Direct Link to Official OCR Discrimination Complaint Form

(California Education Code § 221.61(e))

To file a formal civil rights or Title IX complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, you may use the electronic complaint portal below:

6. CDE Title IX Resource Links(California Education Code § 234.6(b)(5))For additional information on federal and state Title IX rights, responsibilities, and school district requirements across California: