Title IX and Non-Discrimination
Title IX-Introduction
State and federal laws prohibit discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation. Schools have an obligation to protect students, teachers, staff and other people within the school community. Schools also have an obligation to ensure that its programs and curriculum are free of bias and prejudice. The Connecticut State Department of Education, along with other state, local and national organizations, provides training and technical assistance on these matters.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 was the first comprehensive federal law to prohibit sex discrimination against students and employees of educational institutions. It is one of several federal and state antidiscrimination laws that define and ensure equality in education. The regulations implementing Title IX, published in 1975, prohibit discrimination, exclusion, denial, limitation, or separation based on gender. Title IX 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.
There have been more than 15 cases nationwide that have been brought against school districts for failing to protect students from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Connecticut State Law also prohibits discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation.
Section 10-15c
The public schools shall be open to all children five years of age and over who reach age five on or before September 1 of any school year, and each such child shall have, and shall be so advised by the appropriate school authorities, an equal opportunity to participate in the activities, programs and courses of study offered in such public schools, at such time as the child becomes eligible to participate in such activities, programs and courses of study, without discrimination on account of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation; provided boards of education may, by vote at a meeting duly called, admit to any school children under five years of age.
Title IX Coordinator:
Kimberly Davis (kimberly.davis@elpsk12.org)
Director of Student Services
East Lyme Public Schools
P.O. Box 220
East Lyme, CT 06333
860-739-3966