Uniform Complaint Procedures and Title IX
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District is committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. We value open communication and are dedicated to addressing concerns and complaints in a fair, timely, and respectful manner.
If you have a concern or wish to file a complaint, please review the resources, policies, and complaint forms provided below, including information regarding Title IX, discrimination, harassment, and other complaint procedures.
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What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX) provides that no person in the United States 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 receiving federal financial assistance. Title IX protects all participants in the District’s educational programs and activities, including students, parents, employees, and job applicants.
The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Key areas addressed by Title IX include athletics; sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual violence; pregnant and parenting students; off-campus activities; recruitment and admission; and employment. Schools must protect against discrimination in these areas. Schools must also prohibit retaliation against any person for opposing an unlawful practice or policy, or filing, testifying about, or participating in any complaint under Title IX. Any inquiries about the application of Title IX, this notice, and who is protected by Title IX may be referred to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, Sal Reynoso, or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights from the United States Department of Education, or both.
Title IX information provided here applies to every school site and to all District programs and activities.
What is Sexual Harassment under Title IX?
“Sexual harassment” is conduct, on the basis of sex, that satisfies one or more of the following:
1. A District employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the District on the student’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies the student equal access to the District’s education program or activity; or3. “Sexual assault” as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), “dating violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(11), “domestic violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(12), or “stalking” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(36)
Alleged conduct that does not rise to the level of sexual harassment under Title IX will be addressed in accordance with other District policies that prohibit sexual harassment, or other forms of inappropriate conduct, as deemed appropriate.
Board Policies:
Administrative Regulations:
AR 4119.12 Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures
AR 5145.71 Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures
Title IX Complaint Form:
What Are My Rights under Title IX?
You have the following rights under Title IX, to the extent applicable at the District:
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You have the right to fair and equitable treatment, and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
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You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
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You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school or appropriate District personnel as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
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You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships if the District offers any.
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You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following related to athletics, if any are provided by the District:
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Equipment and supplies;
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Scheduling of games and practices;
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Transportation and daily allowances;
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Access to tutoring;
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Coaching;
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Locker rooms;
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Practice and competitive facilities;
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Medical and training facilities and services; and 
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Publicity.
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You have the right to have access to a sex/gender equity coordinator, referred to as the Title IX Coordinator, to answer questions regarding sex/gender equity laws.
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You have the right to contact the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to access information on sex/gender equity laws.
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You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) 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.
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You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
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You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.
(California Education Code § 221.8.)
The District has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. If the District 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 District must resolve complaints of sex discrimination promptly and equitably. Information on filing a complaint alleging sex-based discrimination is below.
For more information specific to anti-discrimination, or if you believe you have been subjected to or witness to sex-based discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.
Learn more about your rights under Title IX:
Visit the website of theUnited States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Contact Information: 1-800-421-3481 or ocr@ed.gov.
Visit the California Department of Education’s California Department of Education's Websites on Equal Opportunity & Access and Gender Equity/Title IX.
Who is the Title IX Coordinator?
The District has a Title IX Coordinator who oversees the District’s compliance with Title IX requirements and promotes sex equity in the District’s programs and activities. Contact the District’s Title IX Coordinator:
Shauna Ames, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
Discrimination, Equity, and Title IX Compliance Officer
Human Resources
400 Niblick Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Telephone: (805) 769-1000
Email: hr@pasoschools.org
Training Materials
Materials used to train the District’s Title IX Coordinator, investigator(s), decision-maker(s), appeals officer(s), and any person who facilities an informal resolution process are available at the District office upon request.
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In addition to Title IX, the California Education Code prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and any other protected class in schools.  (California Education Code §§ 220-221.1.)  Other state and federal laws also prohibit discrimination and ensure equality in education.  Please refer to the PRJUSD’s board policy and administrative regulations below for more information on the District’s anti-discrimination policies.
Board Policy:
BP 0410 Nondiscrimination in Disctrict Program and Activities
BP4030 Nondiscrimination in Employment
BP 5145.3 Nondiscrimination/Harassment
Administrative Regulations:
AR 4030 Nondiscrimination in Employment
AR 5145.3 Nondiscrimination/Harassment
Sexual Harassment (Personnel):
The Board of Trustees is committed to providing a safe work environment that is free of harassment and intimidation. The Board of Trustees prohibits sexual harassment against district employees and job applicants.  The Board also prohibits retaliatory behavior or action against district employees or other persons who complain, testify or otherwise participate in the complaint process established pursuant to the below Board Policy and Administrative Regulation. In addition to Title IX, as described above, California law and District policy prohibits discrimination against its personnel.
Administrative Regulation:
Sexual Harassment (Students):
The Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining a safe school environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. In addition to Title IX, as described above, the California Education code and District policy similarly prohibits discrimination against its students.
For information related to the definition of sexual harassment, how to file a complaint of sexual harassment (Title IX), related statutes of limitations, and the investigation process and procedures please review the PRJUSD’s board policy and administrative regulations referenced below.
Board Policy:
BP 5145.3 Nondiscrimination/Harassment
Administrative Regulations:
AR 5145.3 Nondiscrimination/Harassment
How do I file a complaint of discrimination? – Refer to Uniform Complaint Policy section
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The Uniform Complaint Process may be used to investigate and resolve complaints regarding the following programs and activities: accommodations for pregnant and parenting students; adult education programs; after-school education and safety programs; career technical and technical education and career technical and technical training programs; child care and development programs; compensatory education; consolidated categorical aid programs; discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying in district programs and activities; student fees; failure to comply with education and graduation requirements for students in foster care, homeless students, students from military families, students formerly in a juvenile court school, migrant students, and immigrant students participating in a newcomer program; course periods without educational content, when students in grades 9-12 are assigned to such courses more than one week in any semester or in a course the student has previously satisfactorily completed, unless specified conditions are met; reasonable accommodations for lactating students; Every Student Succeeds Act; migrant education; physical education instructional minutes; regional occupational centers and programs; school plans for student achievement as required for the consolidated application for specified federal and/or state categorical funding; school safety plans; school site councils as required for the consolidated application for specified federal and/or state categorical funding; any complaint alleging retaliation against a complainant or other participant in the complaint process or anyone who has acted to uncover or report a violation subject to this policy; any other state or federal educational program the Superintendent of Public Instruction or designee deems appropriate; and/or Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).
Complainants are encouraged to attempt resolution of their complaints directly at the school site or work site, if possible. Complainants should contact the principal or lead administrator at the school site or work location to make a complaint or discuss a concern. 
Any individual, public agency, or organization may file a written complaint alleging a matter which, if true, would constitute a violation by the District of federal or state laws or regulations governing the programs and activities as well as allegations of unlawful discrimination identified above. UCP complaints are to be submitted in writing to:  hr@pasoschools.org using this form: Uniform Complaint Form, or the form can be delivered to:
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District
800 Niblick Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Any individual with a disability or who is unable to prepare a written complaint can receive assistance from teh District by calling the Human Resources Office at (805)769-1000.
In the Investigation of complaints, the District assures confidentiality to the maximum extent possible. The District prohibits retalliation against anyone who files a comlaint or anyone who participates in the complaint investigation process. Complainants are advised that civil law remedies may also be available to them.
Board Policy:
BP 1312.3 Uniform Complaint Procedures
Administrative Regulation
AR 1312.3 Uniform Complaint Procedures
Forms:
Uniform Complaint Procedures Form (English)
Uniform Complaint Procedures Form (Spanish)
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Education Code Section 351186 created a procedure for the filing of complaints concerning deficiencies related to textbook and instructional materials, emergency or urgent conditions of facilities that pose a threat to the health and safety of students and staff, and teacher vacancy or misassignment. The complaint and response are public documents as provided by statute. Complaints may be filed anonymously.
Administrative Regulation:
Complaint Forms:
Williams Complaint Form (English)
Williams Complaint Form (Spanish)
Classroom Posting:
Williams Classroom Posting (English)
Williams Classroom Posting (Spanish)
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The Board of Trustees is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, immigration status, age, religion, marital, pregnancy, or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Board Policy:
BP 0410 Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities
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The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment and will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. The district recognizes the harmful effects of bullying on student learning and school attendance and desires to provide safe school environments that protect students from physical and emotional harm. District employees shall establish student safety as a high priority and shall not tolerate bullying of any student.
Board Policy:
Administrative Regulation:
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The Board of Trustees is determined to provide district employees and job applicants a safe, positive environment where they are assured of full and equal employment access and opportunities, protection from harassment or intimidation, and freedom from any fear of reprisal or retribution for asserting their employment rights in accordance with law. The Board prohibits district employees from discriminating against or harassing any other district employee or job applicant on the basis of the person's actual or perceived race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Board Policy:
BP 4030 Nondiscrimination in Employment
Administrative Regulation:
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Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) is most commonly associated with its application to athletic opportunities. However, Title IX applies to all District schools and it prohibits discrimination in all educational programs and activities, not just athletics. Athletic programs are considered educational programs and activities.
Title IX provides female athletes the right to equal opportunities in athletics. The District is committed to providing equal opportunities and benefits to all of its student-athletes.
The District’s Title IX Compliance Officer is Shauna Ames, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources. To file a complaint with the District regarding Title IX, please contact the TItle IX Complaince Officer: sames@pasoschools.org
Title IX Coordinator:
Shauna Ames
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
Discrimination, Equity, and Title IX Compliance Officer
400 Niblick Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Telephone: (805) 769-1000
Email: sames@pasoschools.org
For more information regarding Title IX or to file a Title IX complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, please contact the Office for Civil Rights or the Office of Equal Opportunity.