Title IX

Mr.George Borelli, District Title IX Coordinator

(413) 593 9090 | Email

Hampden Charter School of Science (HCSS) is committed to providing an educational and work environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex. HCSS does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner.

This requirement extends to admissions and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations may be referred to the District Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR), or both.

Rights Under Title IX

Title IX protects students, employees, applicants for employment, and other members of the school community from discrimination based on sex.

Title IX prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on sex, including:

• Sexual harassment
• Sexual assault
• Dating violence
• Domestic violence
• Stalking
• Sex-based harassment
• Discrimination based on sex stereotypes
• Pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, recovery from childbirth, and related medical conditions
• Retaliation against an individual for reporting or participating in a Title IX process

All students have the right to:

• Learn in an environment free from sex discrimination and sex-based harassment
• Report incidents of sex discrimination or harassment
• Receive supportive measures regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed
• Participate in a fair, prompt, and impartial grievance process
• Be protected from retaliation for reporting concerns or participating in an investigation
• Access educational programs and activities without discrimination based on sex

Reporting a Concern

Any student, parent, guardian, employee, or community member may report concerns involving sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, or retaliation.

Reports may be made:

• In person
• By telephone
• By email
• By mail
• Through any reporting form or process established by the school

Reports may be made at any time, including outside of normal school hours.

Title IX Coordinator

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the district's efforts to comply with Title IX and responding to reports of sex discrimination and sex-based harassment.

District Title IX Coordinator

Name: Mr. Borelli
Title: District Title IX Coordinator
Address: 20 Johnson Rd, Chicopee, MA 01022
Phone: 413-593-9090
Email: gborelli@hampdencharter.org

Supportive Measures

HCSS offers supportive measures to individuals involved in a reported incident, regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed.

Supportive measures may include:

• Counseling referrals
• Academic supports
• Schedule modifications
• Changes in class assignments
• Increased supervision
• Safety planning
• No-contact directives
• Leave from school or work when appropriate
• Other individualized services designed to restore or preserve equal access to educational programs and activities

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary and non-punitive whenever possible.

Complaint and Grievance Procedures

HCSS will respond promptly and equitably to reports of sex discrimination and sex-based harassment.

When a report is received, the school will:

1. Contact the complainant to discuss available supportive measures
2. Explain the process for filing a complaint
3. Conduct an impartial investigation when appropriate
4. Provide the parties with notice of allegations and opportunities to respond
5. Reach a determination based on the evidence gathered
6. Provide written notice of the outcome and any available appeal rights

The school will use procedures that are prompt, equitable, and free from bias or conflicts of interest.

Pregnancy and Related Conditions

HCSS does not discriminate against any student or employee based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, recovery from childbirth, or related medical conditions.

Students affected by pregnancy or related conditions may be entitled to reasonable modifications, voluntary leaves of absence, and access to a private, clean space for expressing breast milk as required by law.

Students seeking assistance should contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Confidentiality

HCSS will make reasonable efforts to protect the privacy of individuals involved in a report or complaint. Information will be shared only with those who have a legitimate educational or legal need to know in order to respond to the report and comply with applicable laws.

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against any person for reporting discrimination or harassment, filing a complaint, participating in an investigation, or exercising rights protected by Title IX is strictly prohibited. Any allegation of retaliation will be investigated promptly and addressed in accordance with district policy.

External Complaints

Individuals may also file a complaint with:

U.S. Department of Education — Office for Civil Rights

Information regarding OCR complaint procedures is available at the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Process.

Additional Policies

Please refer to the following district policies for additional information:

• Title IX Grievance Procedures
• Nondiscrimination Policy
• Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
• Harassment and Discrimination Policy
• Student Handbook
• Employee Handbook

HCSS is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environment where all students and employees are treated with dignity and respect.

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