AC - Non-Discrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

The school unit does not discriminate on the basis of sex or other protected categories in its education programs and activities, as required by federal and state laws/regulations.

Discrimination against and harassment of school employees because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, familial status, disability, or genetic information are prohibited. Discrimination against and harassment of students because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry or national origin, or disability are prohibited. The term “sexual orientation” under state law means a person’s “actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality or gender identity or expression.” The term “gender identity” under state law means “the gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, regardless of the individual’s assigned sex at birth.”

The Board directs the school administration to implement a continuing program designed to prevent discrimination against all applicants, employees, students and other individuals having access rights to school premises and activities. The Falmouth Public Schools Affirmative Action Plan will include designation of an Affirmative Action Officer who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal and state requirements relating to nondiscrimination. The Affirmative Action Officer will be a person with direct access to the Superintendent.

The Board directs the administration to implement internal complaint procedures for resolving complaints of discrimination under this policy and to provide adequate notice of the availability of such complaint procedures.

The Board directs the administration to provide notice of compliance with federal and state civil rights laws to all applicants for employment, employees, students, parents, and other interested persons, as appropriate.

Legal Reference:

Equal Employment Opportunities Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-261) amending Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42U.S.C. § 2000 (e) et seq.)

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.); 34 C.F.R.Part 106 (Title IX regulations)

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d)

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.)

Equal Pay Act of 1963 (29 U.S.C. § 206)

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.), as amended

Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.), as amended

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. §2000ff et seq.)

Maine Human Rights Act (5 MRSA § 4571), as amended

Cross Reference:

Falmouth Public Schools Affirmative Action Plan