Title IX Process

For the purpose of addressing formal complaints of sexual harassment, a recipient's grievance process must comply with the requirements of the Title IX regulations.  Further, a recipient's grievance process must treat Complainants and Respondents equitably by providing remedies to a Complainant where a determination of responsibility for sexual harassment has been made against the Respondent, and by following a grievance process that complies with the regulations before the imposition of any disciplinary sanctions or other actions that are not supportive measures as defined in 34 C.F.R. §106.30 against a Respondent.

Title IX Terminology

• Complainant: An individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.

• Respondent: An individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment (i.e., the accused). 

• Recipient: An educational institution that receives federal financial assistance (i.e., DCPS).

• Actual Knowledge: Information that an alleged incident has taken place. Notice of sexual harassment or allegations of sexual harassment occurs when that information is received by a Title IX Coordinator or any official with authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of the recipient of federal financial assistance (i.e., DCPS), or by any employee of an elementary or secondary school. This includes sub-contractors, vendors, and volunteers. Once the Title IX Coordinator/official/employee has actual knowledge, the school is obligated to respond to the allegations.

• Formal Complaint: A document filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment against a Respondent and requesting that the school investigate the allegation of sexual harassment.

• Education Program or Activity: An education program or activity includes locations, events, or circumstances over which DCPS exercised substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which the sexual harassment occurs, whether on or off DCPS property.  It includes the following:  Academic or educational programs (including virtual activities and classes); extracurricular activities; athletic activities; or other school-related programs, including activities in school facilities, on school buses, training programs, or classes sponsored by the District.

• Supportive Measures: Non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge, to the Complainant or the Respondent before or after the filing of a formal complaint, or where no formal complaint has been filed. Such measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the recipient's education program or activity without unreasonably burdening the other party, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties or the recipient's educational environment or to deter sexual harassment.