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Title IX Complaints

Guide to Addressing Title IX Complaints

Rights Under Title IX

Title IX is a federal law that was passed in 1972 to ensure that male and female students and employees in educational settings are treated equally and fairly. It protects against discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment. In addition, Title IX protects transgender students and students who do not conform to gender stereotypes. State law also prohibits discrimination based on gender (sex), gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation. The preamble to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states that:

“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.”

Title IX Coordinator

The individual named below is the Title IX Coordinator for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. He is responsible for coordinating the investigating all Title IX complaints. Additionally, he is responsible for monitoring outcomes, identify and addressing patterns, and assessing the effects on campus climates resulting from discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment.

Douglas Meza, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
1717 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
dmeza@smmusd.org
310-450-8338, extension 70220

Types of Complaints

Title IX complaints can either involve employees or students. Information on both can be found below.

Title IX Complaints (Employees)

The district does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its programs or activities and complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations. The Board of Education and district are committed to providing a safe work environment that is free of discrimination, harassment, and intimidation, including sexual harassment.

Title IX Complaints (Students)

The district does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its programs or activities and complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations.  The Board of Education is committed to maintaining a welcoming, safe, and supportive school environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Student Rights Pursuant to California Education Code Section 221.8

The following list of rights, which are based on the relevant provisions of the federal regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 USC Sec. 1681 et seq.), may be used by the department for purposes of Section 221.6:

  • a. You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
  • b. You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
  • c. You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
  • d. You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.
  • e. 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.
  • f. You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.
  • g. You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
  • h. 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.
  • i. You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
  • j. You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.