AC - Nondiscrimination

File: AC 

Nondiscrimination

The Franklin School Committee and Franklin Public Schools are committed  to maintaining  an education and work environment for all school community members that is free from all forms of discrimination, including harassment  and retaliation. This commitment to the community is affirmed by the following statements that the School Committee commits to:

1.   Promoting the rights and responsibilities of all individuals as set forth in the State and Federal Constitutions, pertinent Legislation, and applicable judicial interpretations.

2.   Encouraging positive experiences in human values for children, youths, and adults, all of whom have differing personal and family characteristics and who come from various socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups.

3.   Working toward a more integrated society and enlisting the support of individuals as well as groups and agencies, both private and governmental, in such an effort.

4.   Using all appropriate communication and action techniques to air and address the grievances of individuals and groups.

5.   Carefully consider, in all decisions made within the school district, the potential benefits or adverse consequences that those decisions might have on human relations.

6.   Initiating a process of reviewing policies and practices of the school district in order to achieve to the Greatest extent possible the objectives of this statement.

The Franklin Public Schools require all members of the school community to conduct themselves in accordance with this policy. The School Committee's policy extends to students, staff, the general public, and individuals with whom it does business.

No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and courses of study of such public school on account of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national original, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, or a related condition, veteran status, age, or homelessness.

If an individual has a complaint of discrimination on the basis e of their race, color, creed, religion,  ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity  or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, or a related condition, veteran status, age, or homelessness, their complaint should be registered with the Principal or  designee, as published on the District's  website.

Additionally, a student who believes that they are the victim of discrimination or harassment may also report the matter to a teacher, counselor, or administrator who will be responsible for notifying the Building Principal. Employees are expected to take every report of discrimination seriously and to understand the reporting procedures.

The Civil Rights Grievance Procedure will be reviewed annually by members of the Franklin Public Schools administrative team. Areas of responsibility have been identified for school and district Leaders to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing improvements to the plan.   The Superintendent is responsible for providing oversight on the Plan. The Superintendent, or their designee, will provide annual training to all administrators on the Civil Rights Grievance Procedures.

For information regarding the District's prohibition of harassment  and those grievance procedures available to students or staff who believe they have been subject to discrimination or harassment in violation of this Policy or state and federal Law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education

Amendment Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act,

and Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 1518, please refer to Policy ACA8-  Harassment  and supporting FPS Civil Rights Grievance Procedures.

For more information regarding the Franklin Public Schools Compliance Officers please visit https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/22-23 fps  -  Liaison-compliance  officers  l.pdf

SOURCE:        MASC

LEGAL REFS: Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964

•   Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972

•    Executive Order 11246, as amended by E.O. 11375

•    Equal Pay Act, as amended by the Education Amendments of 1972

•   Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 as amended 2020.

•    Rehabilitation Act of 1973

•    Education for ALL Handicapped Children Act of 1975

M.G.L. 71B:1 et seq. (Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972) M.G.L. 76:5; Amended 2011

M.G.L.76:16

BESE regulations 603CMR 26:00 Amended 2012

BESE regulations 603CMR 28.00

CROSS REFS: ACA8, Harassment

FPS Civil Rights Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Harassment and Discrimination

FPS Title IX Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment under Title IX of the

Education Amendments of 1972

G8A, Equal Employment Opportunity

J8, Equal Educational Opportunities

UPDATED:  June 2012

Reviewed, Revised, Adopted by School Committee: 11/10/2020

Reviewed, Revised, Adopted by School Committee: 9/13/2022