Prohibiting Sex-Based Discrimination

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in all educational programs and activities, including athletic programs. No person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity operated by Tree of Life International Charter School. Title IX protects all participants in TLC’s educational programs and activities, including students, parents, employees, and job applicants. TLC does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment and sexual violence.

In addition to Title IX, the California Education Code prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in schools. (California Education Code §§ 220-221.1.) Other state and federal laws also prohibit discrimination and ensure equality in education.

Title IX information provided here applies to all TLC programs and activities.

Your Rights Under Title IX

You have the following rights under Title IX, to the extent applicable at the School:

• You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
• You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
• You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following related to athletics provided by the charter school:
  • Equipment and supplies;
  • Scheduling of games and practices;
  • Transportation to games if needed;
  • Coaching;
  • Practice and competitive facilities.
• You have the right to have access to a sex/gender equity coordinator, referred to as the Title IX Coordinator (contact information below), to answer questions regarding sex/gender equity laws.
• You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on sex/gender equity laws.
• You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the California Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex.
• You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
• You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint. (California Education Code § 221.8.)

TLC has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. If the charter school knows or reasonably should know about sex discrimination, it must take action to eliminate the sex discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. The charter school must resolve complaints of sex discrimination promptly and equitably. Information on filing a complaint alleging sex-based discrimination is below.

Learn more about your rights under Title IX

• Visit the website of the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and the webpage on Sex Discrimination.
• Review the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights “Know Your Rights” document: Title IX Prohibits Discrimination Against Pregnant or Parenting Individuals at School.
• Visit the website of the California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity & Access and the webpage on Gender Equity/Title IX.

Title IX Coordinator

Tree of Life International Charter School has a Title IX Coordinator who oversees the School’s compliance with Title IX requirements and promotes sex equity in the School’s programs.

Morgan Storment, Title IX Coordinator
Tree of Life International Charter School
19415 Jacqueline St., Anderson, CA 96007
(530) 378-7040 · mstorment@treeoflife.school

Filing a Complaint

A complaint alleging unlawful discrimination or retaliation must be filed no later than six months from the date the discrimination or retaliation occurred, or six months from when the complainant first learned of the unlawful discrimination. The Principal or designee may extend this timeline by up to ninety days for good cause, upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the extension.

A student, parent, guardian, employee, individual, or organization may file a written complaint alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying on the basis of a protected characteristic under the School’s Uniform Complaint Procedures.

You may also file a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. The electronic complaint form for the Office for Civil Rights is available online.

Contact the Office for Civil Rights at:
San Francisco Office
Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
50 United Nations Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: (415) 486-5555 · Fax: (415) 486-5570 · TDD: (800) 877-8339
Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov