1050-Policy and Administrative Regulations Regarding Non-Discrimination (Community Members)

Protected Class Discrimination Prohibited:

It is the policy of the Newtown Board of Education (the “Board”) that any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, alienage, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law (“Protected Class”) is prohibited in the Newtown Public Schools (the “District”), whether by students, Board employees, Board members or third parties subject to the control of the Board, subject to the conditions and limitations established by law. The Board’s prohibition of discrimination or harassment in its educational programs or activities expressly extends to academic, nonacademic and extracurricular activities, including athletics, school sponsored activities, as well as the District website. When the Board has created a limited public forum, the Board shall provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other groups as required by law. 

Retaliation Prohibited:

The Board further prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any individual who reports incidents in good faith that may be a violation of this policy, or who participates in the investigation of such reports. Discrimination on the Basis of Protected Class Association Prohibited: Discrimination and/or harassment against any individual on the basis of that individual’s association with someone in a Protected Class may also be considered a form of Protected Class discrimination and/or harassment, and is therefore prohibited by this policy.

Scope and Applicability:

Students, Board employees, Board members and community members (e.g., other individuals affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities) are expected to adhere to a standard of conduct that is respectful of the rights of all members of the school community.

Definitions:

The following definitions apply for purposes of this policy: 

A. Discrimination: Discrimination in violation of this policy occurs when an individual is denied participation in, or the benefits of, a program or activity of the Board because of such individual’s actual or perceived membership in a Protected Class.

B. Harassment: Harassment is a form of Protected Class discrimination that is prohibited by law and by this policy. Harassment constitutes unlawful discrimination when it creates a hostile environment, which occurs when the harassment is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with or limit an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by the District. The following non-exhaustive list provides examples of the types of prohibited conduct that may be considered Protected Class harassment that can lead to a hostile environment:

● objectively offensive racial, ethnic, or religious epithets (or epithets commonly associated with any Protected Class membership, including but not limited to epithets relating to sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity or expression);

● other words or phrases considered demeaning or degrading on the basis of Protected Class membership;

● display of images or symbols commonly associated with discrimination against individuals on the basis of their membership in a Protected Class;

● graphic, written or electronic communications that are harmful or humiliating based on Protected Class membership;

● bigoted conduct or communications; or

● physical, written, electronic or verbal threats based on Protected Class membership.

Harassment does not have to involve intent to harm, be directed toward a specific person, or involve repeated incidents.

Sexual harassment is a form of harassment that is prohibited by law and Board policy. For more information regarding harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression, contact the District’s Title IX Coordinator at:

Deborah Mailloux-Petersen

Director of Pupil Services

Newtown Public Schools

3 Primrose Street

Newtown, CT 06470

Phone: (203)-426-7628

petersend@newtown.k12.ct.us 

C. Gender identity or expression: Gender identity or expression refers to a person's gender-related identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender related identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's physiology or assigned sex at birth, which gender-related identity can be shown by providing evidence including, but not limited to, medical history, care or treatment of the gender-related identity, consistent and uniform assertion of the gender related identity or any other evidence that the gender-related identity is sincerely held, part of a person's core identity or not being asserted for an improper purpose.

D. Sexual orientation: Sexual orientation refers to a person’s identity in relation to the gender or genders to which they are romantically, emotionally or sexually attracted, inclusive of any identity that a person (i) may have previously expressed, or (ii) is perceived by another person to hold.

E. Veteran: A veteran is any person honorably discharged from, released under honorable conditions from or released with an other than honorable discharge based on a qualifying condition from, active service in, the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force and any reserve component thereof, including the Connecticut National Guard. “Qualifying condition” means (i) a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury made by an individual licensed to provide health care services at a United States Department of Veterans Affairs facility, (ii) an experience of military sexual trauma disclosed to an individual licensed to provide health care services at a United States Department of Veterans Affairs facility, or (iii) a determination that sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression was more likely than not the primary reason for an other than honorable discharge, as determined in accordance with Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 27-103(c), (d).

F. Race: The term race is inclusive of ethnic traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. “Protective hairstyles” includes, but is not limited to, wigs, headwraps and hairstyles such as individual braids, cornrows, locs, twists, Bantu knots, afros and afro puffs.

G. Domestic violence: Domestic violence means (1) a continuous threat of present physical pain or physical injury against a family or household member, as defined in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-38a; (2) stalking, including but not limited to, stalking as described in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-181d, of such family or household member; (3) a pattern of threatening, including but not limited to, a pattern of threatening as described in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-62, of such family or household member or a third party that intimidates such family or household member; or (4) coercive control of such family or household member, which is a pattern of behavior that in purpose or effect unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty. “Coercive control” includes, but is not limited to, unreasonably engaging in any of the following: (a) isolating the family or household member from friends, relatives or other sources of support; (b) depriving the family or household member of basic necessities; (c) controlling, regulating or monitoring the family or household member's movements, communications, daily behavior, finances, economic resources or access to services; (d) compelling the family or household member by force, threat or intimidation, including, but not limited to, threats based on actual or suspected immigration status, to (i) engage in conduct from which such family or household member has a right to abstain, or (ii) abstain from conduct that such family or household member has a right to pursue; (e) committing or threatening to commit cruelty to animals that intimidates the family or household member; or (f) forced sex acts, or threats of a sexual nature, including, but not limited to, threatened acts of sexual conduct, threats based on a person's sexuality or threats to release sexual images. 

Alleged Discrimination/Harassment of Students or Employees:

Complaints of alleged discrimination and/or harassment of students and/or employees will be investigated in accordance with the non-discrimination policies applicable to students and/or personnel respectively. Complaints pertaining to specific forms of discrimination and/or harassment, such as sexual harassment or disability- based harassment, have specific policies and procedures applicable to these forms of harassment and will be investigated in accordance with the specific procedures for such issues. If a complaint involves allegations of discrimination or harassment of an employee or of a student based on sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression, such complaints will be handled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Board Policy 4118.112/4218.112, Policy and Administrative Regulations Regarding Prohibition of Sex Discrimination, Including Sex-Based Harassment (Personnel), or Policy 5145.5, Policy and Administrative Regulations Regarding Prohibition of Sex Discrimination, Including Sex-Based Harassment (Students). Complaints involving allegations of discrimination or harassment of an employee or of a student based on disability will be addressed in accordance with the procedures set forth in Board Policy 4118.14/4218.4, Policy and Administrative Regulations Regarding Employees and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, or Board Policy 5145.4, Policy and Administrative Regulations Regarding Students and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 

Alleged Discrimination/Harassment of Community Members on the Basis of Sex:

In the event the District receives a complaint alleging discrimination or harassment of a community member (e.g., an individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities who is not a student or an employee) on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression, the complaint shall be referred to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, who shall take steps designed to ensure that applicable state and federal law are followed.

Alleged Discrimination/Harassment of Community Members on the Basis of Disability:

In the event the District receives a complaint alleging discrimination or harassment of a community member (e.g., an individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities who is not a student or an employee) based on disability, the complaint shall be referred to the District’s Section 504/ADA Coordinator, who shall take steps designed to ensure that applicable state and federal law are followed.

Reporting to District Officials:

It is the policy of the Board to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging Protected Class discrimination or harassment. The District will investigate both formal and informal complaints of discrimination, harassment or retaliation.

Any individual who believes a community member has experienced Protected Class discrimination or harassment or an act of retaliation or reprisal in violation of this policy should report such concern in writing to the Director of Pupil Services in accordance with the Board’s complaint procedures included in the Board’s Administrative Regulations Regarding Non-Discrimination/Community, which accompany this policy, and are available online at www.newtown.k12.ct.us under Board of Education, Board Policies, or upon request from the main office of any District school.

Reporting to State and Federal Agencies:

In addition to reporting to District officials in accordance with this policy, individuals also may file a complaint with the following agencies:

Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education (“OCR”):

Office for Civil Rights, Boston Office

U.S. Department of Education

8th Floor

5 Post Office Square

Boston, MA  02109- 3921

(617-289-0111)

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html

Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities:

Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities

450 Columbus Blvd.

Hartford, CT  06103-1835

(860-541-3400 or Connecticut Toll Free Number 1-800-477-5737)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (employees only):

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Boston Area Office

John F. Kennedy Federal Building

475 Government Center

Boston, MA  02203

(800-669-4000)

Questions/Requests for Accommodation:

Any parent, student, staff member, Board member or community member (e.g., other individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities) who:

1. has questions or concerns about this policy or its accompanying regulations; OR
2. wishes to request or discuss accommodations based on religion; OR
3. who would like a copy of the Board’s complaint procedures or complaint forms related to claims of discrimination or harassment may contact any District administrator or the following District official:

Deborah Mailloux-Petersen

Director of Pupil Services

Newtown Public Schools

3 Primrose Street

Newtown, CT  06470

Phone: (203)-426-7628

petersend@newtown.k12.ct.us

Any parent, student, staff member, Board member or community member (e.g., other individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities) who has questions or concerns about the Board’s policies regarding discrimination or harassment on the basis of gender/sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or pregnancy may contact the District’s Title IX Coordinator:

Deborah Mailloux-Petersen

Director of Pupil Services

Newtown Public Schools

3 Primrose Street

Newtown, CT  06470

Phone: (203)-426-7628

petersend@newtown.k12.ct.us

Any parent, student, staff member, Board member or community member (e.g., other individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities) who has questions or concerns about the Board’s policies regarding discrimination or harassment on the basis of disability, and/or who may wish to request or discuss accommodations for a disability, may contact the District’s Section 504/ADA Coordinator:

Deborah Mailloux-Petersen

Director of Pupil Services

Newtown Public Schools

3 Primrose Street

Newtown, CT  06470

Phone: (203)-426-7628

petersend@newtown.k12.ct.us

Legal References: 

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. 

Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, 20 U.S.C. § 7905

Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.

Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794

Connecticut General Statutes § 1-1n, “Gender Identity or Expression” defined

Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103

Connecticut General Statutes § 46a-51, Definitions

Connecticut General Statutes § 46a-58, Deprivation of rights

Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act, Connecticut General Statutes § 46a-60

Connecticut General Statutes § 46a-81c, Sexual orientation discrimination: Employment

Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-1, Family relations matters and domestic violence defined

Public Act No. 23-145, “An Act Revising the State’s Antidiscrimination Statutes”

Adopted :November 19, 2024       NEWTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS        Newtown, Connecticut

Protected Class Discrimination Prohibited:

It is the policy of the Newtown Board of Education (the “Board”) that any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, alienage, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law (“Protected Class”) is prohibited in the Newtown Public Schools (the “District”), whether by students, Board employees, Board members or third parties subject to the control of the Board, subject to the conditions and limitations established by law.  When the Board has created a limited public forum, the Board shall provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other groups as required by law.

Retaliation Prohibited:

The Board further prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any individual who reports incidents in good faith that may be a violation of this policy, or who participates in the investigation of such reports. 

The District will not tolerate any reprisals or retaliation that occur as a result of the good faith reporting of charges of Protected Class harassment or discrimination.  Any such reprisals or retaliation will result in disciplinary action against the retaliator, and other corrective actions as appropriate.

Discrimination on the Basis of Protected Class Association Prohibited:

Discrimination and/or harassment against any individual on the basis of that individual’s association with someone in a Protected Class may also be considered a form of Protected Class discrimination and/or harassment.

Scope and Applicability:

Students, Board employees, Board members and community members (e.g., other individuals affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities) are expected to adhere to a standard of conduct that is respectful of the rights of all members of the school community.   

The following non-exhaustive list provides examples of the types of prohibited conduct that may be considered Protected Class harassment that can lead to a hostile environment:

• objectively offensive racial, ethnic, or religious epithets (or epithets commonly associated with any Protected Class membership, including but not limited to epithets relating to sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity or expression);
• other words or phrases considered demeaning or degrading on the basis of Protected Class membership;
• display of images or symbols commonly associated with discrimination against individuals on the basis of their membership in a Protected Class;
• graphic, written or electronic communications that are harmful or humiliating based on Protected Class membership;
• bigoted conduct or communications; or
• physical, written, electronic or verbal threats based on Protected Class membership.

Harassment does not have to involve intent to harm, be directed toward a specific person, or involve repeated incidents.

Alleged Discrimination/Harassment of Students or Employees:

Complaints of alleged discrimination and/or harassment of students and/or personnel will be investigated in accordance with the non-discrimination policies applicable to students and/or personnel respectively.  Complaints pertaining to specific forms of discrimination and/or harassment, such as sexual harassment or disability-based harassment, have specific policies and procedures applicable to these forms of harassment and will be investigated in accordance with the specific procedures for such issues.  If a complaint involves allegations of discrimination or harassment of a student or an employee based on sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression, such complaints will be handled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Board Policy 4118.112/4218.112,  Policy and Administrative Regulations Regarding Sex Discrimination, Including Sex-Based Harassment (Personnel), or Policy 5145.5, Policy and Administrative Regulations Regarding Prohibition of Sex Discrimination, Including Sex-Based Harassment (Students).  Complaints involving allegations of discrimination or harassment of an employee or of a student based on disability will be addressed in accordance with the procedures set forth in Board Policy 4118.14/4218.4, Policy and Administrative Regulations Regarding Employees and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, or Board Policy 5145.4, Policy and Administrative Regulations Regarding Students and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Alleged Discrimination/Harassment of Community Members on the Basis of Sex:

In the event the District receives a complaint alleging discrimination or harassment of a community member (e.g. an individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities who is not a student or an employee) on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression, the complaint shall be referred to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, who shall take steps designed to ensure that applicable state and federal law are followed.

Alleged Discrimination/Harassment of Community Members on the Basis of Disability:

In the event the District receives a complaint alleging discrimination or harassment of a community member (e.g., an individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities who is not a student or an employee) based on disability, the complaint shall be referred to the District’s Section 504/ADA Coordinator, who shall take steps designed to ensure that applicable state and federal law are followed.

Reporting to District Officials:

It is the policy of the Board to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging Protected Class discrimination or harassment. The District will investigate both formal and informal complaints of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Any individual who believes that they, or another individual, has experienced Protected Class discrimination or harassment or an act of retaliation or reprisal in violation of Board policy should report such concern in writing to Deborah Mailloux-Petersen, Director of Pupil Services, Newtown Public Schools, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT  06470, Phone: (203) 426-7628, in accordance with the Board’s complaint procedures included in these Administrative Regulations Regarding Non-Discrimination/Community.

Complaint Procedure

Preferably, complaints should be filed within thirty (30) calendar days of the alleged occurrence.  Timely reporting of complaints facilitates the investigation and resolution of such complaints.  The District will investigate such complaints promptly and equitably, and will take corrective action when allegations are verified. 

As soon as an individual feels that they, or another individual, has been subjected to Protected Class discrimination or harassment, the individual should make a written complaint to the Superintendent or designee. 

The individual who is alleged have experienced Protected Class discrimination/harassment (the “complainant”) and any individual accused of Protected Class discrimination/harassment (the “respondent”) (if applicable) will be provided a copy of the Board’s policy and regulation and made aware of the individual’s rights under this policy and regulation.  In the event reported conduct allegedly violates more than one policy, the Board will coordinate an investigation in compliance with the applicable policies, laws and regulations.

The complaint should state the:

A. Name of the complainant,

B. Date of the complaint,

C. Date(s) of the alleged harassment/discrimination,

D. Name(s) of the harasser(s) or discriminator(s),

E. Location where such harassment/discrimination occurred,

F. Names of any witness(es) to the harassment/discrimination,

G. Detailed statement of the circumstances constituting the alleged harassment/discrimination; and

H. Proposed remedy.

Any individual who makes an oral complaint of discrimination or harassment of a community member (e.g., an individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities who is not a student or an employee) will be provided a copy of this regulation and will be requested to make a written complaint pursuant to the above procedure.  If an individual is unable to make a written complaint, the employee receiving the oral complaint will either reduce the complaint to writing, assist the individual with completing the written complaint form, or request the assistance of a District administrator to do so. 

All complaints received by employees are to be forwarded immediately to the Superintendent or designee.  Upon receipt of a complaint alleging discrimination or harassment of a community member (e.g., an individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities who is not a student or an employee) under this complaint procedure, the Superintendent shall promptly investigate the complaint, or designate a District administrator or other trained individual to do so.  During the course of the investigation, the investigator shall interview or consult with all individuals reasonably believed to have relevant information, including the complainant, the reporter (if different from the complainant), the respondent and any witnesses to the conduct.  Complaints will be investigated promptly within the timeframes identified below.  Timeframes may be extended as needed given the complexity of the investigation, availability of individuals with relevant information and/or other extenuating circumstances.  Confidentiality will be maintained by all persons involved in the investigation to the extent possible, as determined by the investigator.

Upon receipt of a written complaint of discrimination or harassment of a community member, the investigator should:

1. Offer to meet with the complainant and respondent (if applicable) within ten (10) business days (provided that such timeframe may be reasonably extended based on the availability of necessary witnesses and/or participants, the complexity of the investigation, and/or other extenuating circumstances) to discuss the nature of the complaint, discuss the availability of interim measures, identify individuals the complainant or respondent believes has relevant information, and obtain any relevant documents the complainant or respondent may have;
2. Provide the complainant and respondent (if applicable) with a copy of the Board’s non-discrimination policy and accompanying regulations;
3. Conduct an investigation that is adequate, reliable, and impartial.  Investigate the factual basis of the complaint, including, as applicable, conducting interviews with the parties to the complaint and any relevant witnesses or other individuals deemed relevant to the complaint;
4. Review any records, notes, statements, or other documents relevant to the complaint;
5. Maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable throughout the investigative process, in accordance with state and federal law;
6. Complete a final investigation report that includes: (i) a findings of fact based on the evidence gathered; (ii) for each allegation, the conclusion(s) and reasoning(s) as to whether the discrimination or harassment occurred; and (iii) for any individual(s) found to have engaged in discrimination or harassment, a broad statement of consequences imposed (to the extent permitted by state and federal confidentiality requirements) (e.g., “Consequences were imposed.”).
7. Communicate the outcome of the investigation in writing to the complainant and respondent (if any) (to the extent permitted by state and federal confidentiality requirements), within thirty (30) business days (provided that such timeframe may be reasonably extended based on the availability of necessary witnesses and/or participants, the complexity of the investigation, and/or other extenuating circumstances) from the date the complaint was received by the Superintendent’s office. The complainant and respondent (if any) shall be notified of any extension of the investigation timeline.  The written notice shall include a finding whether the complaint was substantiated and if so, shall identify, to the extent possible, how the District will remedy the discrimination or harassment, adhering to the requirements of state and federal law;
8. If a complaint is made during summer recess, the complaint will be reviewed and addressed as quickly as possible given the availability of employees and/or other individuals who may have information relevant to the complaint.  If fixed timeframes cannot be met, the complainant and respondent (if any) will receive notice and interim measures may be implemented as necessary;
9. Whenever allegations are verified, ensure that appropriate corrective action is taken (including, but not limited to, disciplinary action) aimed at preventing the recurrence of the discrimination or harassment.  Corrective action should include steps designed to avoid continuing discrimination or harassment;
10. After receiving the written notice of the outcome, parties shall have ten (10) school days to submit a formal written statement of appeal, if they so choose, to the Superintendent challenging the outcome of the investigation and explaining the basis for appeal.  Upon receipt of an appeal, the Superintendent shall appoint a decisionmaker(s) for the appeal, who may be the Superintendent or designee. The decisionmaker(s) for the appeal will provide the appealing party’s written statement to the non-appealing party. The non-appealing party will then have ten (10) school days to submit to the decision-maker(s) for the appeal a written statement in support of, or challenging, the outcome of the investigation.  The decisionmaker(s) for the appeal shall review the evidence and the information presented by the parties and determine if further action and/or investigation is warranted. Such action may include consultation with the investigator(s) and the parties, a meeting with appropriate individuals to attempt to resolve the complaint, or a decision affirming or overruling the written outcome. Generally, a party’s disagreement with the outcome of the investigation, alone, will not be the basis for further action. The decisionmaker(s) for the appeal will attempt to issue written notice of the outcome of the appeal to the parties within thirty (30) days of receipt of all written statements from the parties.

Complaint Procedure for Superintendent/Board Member Complaints:

Any district administrator or Board member who receives a complaint of discrimination, harassment or retaliation of a community member by a Board Member and/or the Superintendent shall forward the complaint promptly to the Director of Pupil Services. Complaints pertaining to the Superintendent or Board of Education members will be forwarded to the Chair of the Board of Education.  Complaints pertaining to the Board Chair will be forwarded to the Board Vice Chair. In all cases, the individual receiving the complaint shall take appropriate steps to cause the matter to be investigated in a manner consistent with the procedures described above.

If a complainant or a respondent is not satisfied with the findings and conclusions of an investigation in which the Superintendent or a member of the Board is the respondent, within (30) calendar days of receiving the findings such party may present the complaint and written outcome to the Board Chair (or, if initially presented by the Board Chair, the Board Vice Chair), who will take appropriate steps to cause the matter to be reviewed in a manner consistent with the Board’s non-discrimination policy and regulation.  Such steps may include retention of an investigator different from the investigator who investigated the complaint.

Remedial Action:

If the District makes a finding of discrimination, harassment or retaliation of a community member, the District will take remedial action designed to:

A. eliminate the discriminatory/harassing/retaliatory conduct,

B. prevent its recurrence, and

C. address its effects on the complainant and any other affected individuals. 

Examples of appropriate action may include, but are not limited to: 

A. In the case of a student respondent, interventions for the individual who engaged in the discrimination/harassment may include, but are not limited to, discipline (including but not limited to suspension and/or expulsion), educational interventions, exclusion from extra-curricular activities and/or sports programs, and/or referral to appropriate state or local agencies;

B. In the case of an employee respondent, interventions for the individual who engaged in the discrimination/harassment may include, but are not limited to, supervisor notification, discipline (including possible termination of employment), training, and/or referral to appropriate state or local agencies;

C. In the case of respondent who is otherwise associated with the school community, interventions for the individual who engaged in the discrimination/harassment may include, but are not limited to, exclusion from school property and/or activities and/or referral to appropriate state or local agencies;

D. Follow-up inquiries with the complainant and witnesses to ensure that the discriminatory/harassing conduct has stopped and that they have not experienced any retaliation;

E. Supports for the complainant; and

F. Training or other interventions for the larger school community designed to ensure that students, staff, parents, Board members and other individuals within the school community understand the types of behavior that constitute discrimination/harassment, that the District does not tolerate it, and how to report it.

Staff Development:

The District will periodically provide staff development for District administrators and periodically distribute the Board’s Non-Discrimination policies and the implementing administrative regulations to staff, students and parents in an effort to maintain an environment free of discrimination and harassment.

Reporting to State and Federal Agencies:

In addition to reporting to District officials in accordance with this policy, individuals also may file a complaint with the following agencies:

Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education (“OCR”):

Office for Civil Rights, Boston Office

U.S. Department of Education

8th Floor

5 Post Office Square 

Boston, MA 02109- 3921

(617-289-0111)

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Boston Area Office,

John F. Kennedy Federal Building

475 Government Center 

Boston, MA  02203 

(800-669-4000)

 Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities:

Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities

450 Columbus Blvd.

Hartford, CT 06103-1835

(860-541-3400 or Connecticut Toll Free Number 1-800-477-5737)

Questions/Requests for Accommodation:

Any parent, student, staff member, Board member or community member (e.g., other individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities) who:

1. has questions or concerns about this policy or its accompanying regulations; OR
2. wishes to request or discuss accommodations based on religion; OR
3. who would like a copy of the Board’s complaint procedures or complaint forms related to claims of discrimination or harassment

may contact any building administrator or the following District official:

Deborah Mailloux-Petersen

Director of Pupil Services

Newtown Public Schools

3 Primrose Street

Newtown, CT  06470

Phone: (203)-426-7628

petersend@newtown.k12.ct.us 

Any parent, student, staff member, Board member or community member (e.g., other individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities) who has questions or concerns about the Board’s policies regarding discrimination or harassment on the basis of gender/sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or pregnancy may contact the District’s Title IX Coordinator:

Deborah Mailloux-Petersen

Director of Pupil Services

Newtown Public Schools

3 Primrose Street

Newtown, CT  06470

Phone: (203)-426-7628

petersend@newtown.k12.ct.us 

Any parent, student, staff member, Board member or community member (e.g., other individual affiliated with the District, accessing or seeking access to District facilities) who has questions or concerns about the Board’s policies regarding discrimination or harassment on the basis of disability, and/or who may wish to request or discuss accommodations for a disability, may contact the District’s Section 504/ADA Coordinator:

Deborah Mailloux-Petersen

Director of Pupil Services

Newtown Public Schools

3 Primrose Street

Newtown, CT  06470

Phone: (203)-426-7628

petersend@newtown.k12.ct.us 

Administrative Regulation Approved: November 19, 2024

**SEE PDF FOR FORM