| Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School District |
| Bylaws & Policies |
5131 - NONDISCRIMINATION
The Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School District Board of Education will continue to work toward the elimination of all discriminatory practices. To accomplish this goal the Board will:
| A. | promote the rights and responsibilities of individuals as set forth in the state and federal constitutions, pertinent legislations, and applicable judicial interpretations; | |
| B. | encourage positive experiences for children and youth and adults; | |
| C. | work toward a more integrated society and enlist the support of individuals, as well as private and governmental groups and agencies, in such an effort; | |
| D. | use communication and action techniques to air and reduce the grievances of individuals and groups; | |
| E. | consider the potential benefits or adverse consequences that the Board's decisions might have on the human relations aspects of the school community; | |
| F. | initiate a process of reviewing policies and practices of this school system in order to help achieve the objectives of this statement. |
The Board's policy of nondiscrimination will extend to students, staff, the general public, and individuals with whom it does business; and will apply to race, national background, religion, gender, economic status, age, and disabilities.
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Gender
The U. S. Department of Education has published implementing regulations for TitleÿIX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits gender discrimination in federally-assisted education programs.
Title IX states, in part, that:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of gender, 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.
The Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School District Board of Education hereby states its intention to ensure compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as affected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the implementing regulations promulgated through the U.S. Department of Education.
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its accompanying regulations apply to all school systems receiving federal funds. Under this act, a school system receiving federal financial assistance must comply with the requirements of this section. This District is the recipient of federal funds. Furthermore, the Board is of the general view that discrimination against a qualified disabled person solely on the basis of disability is unfair. To the extent possible, qualified disabled persons should be in the mainstream of life in a school community.
Accordingly, employees of the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School will comply with, to the extent possible, requirements of the law and policy statements of this Board to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of disability. The following will be expected:
| A. | No one will discriminate against qualified disabled persons in any aspect of school employment solely on the basis of disability. | |
| B. | Facilities, programs, and activities will be available to qualified disabled persons. | |
| C. | Free, appropriate education at elementary and secondary levels, including nonacademic and extraÄcurricular services and activities will be provided to qualified disabled persons. | |
| D. | No one will exclude any qualified disabled person solely on the basis of disability from participation in any preschool education or day care program or activity or any adult education or vocational program or activity. | |
| E. | Each qualified disabled person will be provided with the same health, welfare, and other social services that are provided others. |
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race
The Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School District Board of Education believes that public schools operate effectively when void of any discrimination concerning race. Therefore, the Board states both its intention to ensure compliance with all anti-discrimination laws regarding race and its intention to not discriminate towards students, employees, or community members on such basis.
In an effort to further this ideal, the Superintendent is instructed to develop and monitor an ongoing plan to implement and achieve the objectives of this policy.