Title IX Information
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, the District has designated Title IX Compliance Staff for Employees, Students, and Athletics. The District’s Title IX Staff should be contacted regarding any inquiries as to the application of Title IX or filing a harassment complaint.
Ferndale Area Title IX Compliance Staff
Title IX Coordinator
(814)535-1507 Ext. 1004
Director of Special Education and Student Services
814-539-6168
Informal Resolution Facilitator
Investigators
814-535-6724
814-288-5757
Decision Maker
814-288-5757
Appellate Decision Maker
814-535-1507
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that 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. "
Title IX applies to all educational institutions, both public and private, that receive federal funds. Athletics programs are considered educational programs and activities. There are three basic parts of Title IX as it applies to athletics:
- Participation: Title IX requires that women and men be provided equitable opportunities to participate in sports. Title IX does not require institutions to offer identical sports but an equal opportunity to play;
- Scholarships: Title IX requires that female and male student-athletes receive athletics scholarship dollars proportional to their participation; and
- Other benefits: Title IX requires the equal treatment of female and male student-athletes in the provisions of: (a) equipment and supplies; (b) scheduling of games and practice times; (c) travel and daily allowance/per diem; (d) access to tutoring; (e) coaching, (f) locker rooms, practice and competitive facilities; (g) medical and training facilities and services; (h) housing and dining facilities and services; (i) publicity and promotions; (j) support services and (k) recruitment of student-athletes.
Although it is the application of Title IX to athletics that has gained the greatest public visibility, the law applies to every single aspect of education, including course offerings, counseling and counseling materials, financial assistance, student health and insurance benefits and/or other services, housing, marital and parental status of students, physical education and athletics, education programs and activities, and employment. Title IX benefits everyone -- girls and boys, women and men. The law requires educational institutions to maintain policies, practices and programs that do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of gender. Elimination of discrimination against women and girls has received more attention because females historically have faced greater gender restrictions and barriers in education. However, Title IX also has benefited men and boys. A continued effort to achieve educational equity has benefited all students by moving toward creation of school environments where all students may learn and achieve the highest standards.
Ferndale Area School District Title IX Statement
Ferndale Area School District affirms that no person shall, on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, age, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, veteran’s status or genetic information be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any educational program or activity. In addition, no person shall, on any of these bases, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in employment, or recruitment, or consideration, or selection, therefore, whether full-time or part-time, under any educational program or activity operated by the district. The District shall make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Ferndale Area School District Anti-Harassment/Anti-Retaliation Statement
The District does not tolerate sexual harassment. Any individual who believes they have been subjected to sexual harassment is strongly encouraged to make a report which will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Retaliation against individuals who file complaints about sexual harassment, or participate in the investigation of such complaints, is strictly prohibited.
Students, Faculty or staff found to have engaged in sexual harassment or retaliation will be promptly disciplined, and such discipline may include, if circumstances warrant, suspension, expulsion and/or termination. Students, parents and staff are encouraged to work together to prevent sexual harassment.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, the District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates. This requirement not to discriminate in the District's education programs and activities extends to employment with and admission to the District.
Ferndale Area School District Policy 103 - Discrimination/Title IX Sexual Harassment Affecting Students. This Policy Identifies the Compliance Officer, Reporting/Complaint Procedures, and Appeal Procedures.
Title IX Policies - Board Policies 103 and 104
Pennsylvania Bullying Prevention Toolkit
The Center for Safe Schools and the Highmark Foundation partnered to develop this new online tool that will help parents, educators and others working with youth – including health care professionals, coaches and after-school staff – prevent bullying and support children affected by it. This toolkit will be especially valuable to schools that do not have bullying prevention programs in place; and to agencies typically called upon in crisis situations. For families, this toolkit ensures that they have a fast-track to assessing and meeting needs when bullying occurs. Along with tips for parents whose children are bullied and advice for parents whose children bully others, it includes helpful hints from kids who have been bulled themselves. It also provides specific information about how to differentiate between bullying and conflict, how to respond to cyberbullying and potential legal implications of bullying-type behaviors. It contains a guide for connecting children to relevant assistance, a sample letter informing the school of a bullying incident, and a list of vetted resources on bullying intervention and support.
PA Bullying Prevention Toolkit
Ferndale Area School District Policy 249 - Bullying and Cyberbullying
ACT 26
ACT 26 requires that all school entities (a public school, charter school, cyber charter school, private school, nonpublic school, intermediate unit or area vocational-technical school) and independent contractors of school entities provide child abuse recognition and reporting training to all employees, including contracted substitute teachers who have direct contact with children. Ferndale Area School District in in compliance with Act 126:
- All school employees complete training in the reporting guidelines associated with ACT 26.
- Appropriate information is presented to students during orientation activities to ensure compliance with ACT 26.