Adoption Date: 06/22/2021

History: 10/11/2022 (Reviewed), 10/26/2021(updated), 9/26/23 (Reviewed)

It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district. Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth. In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same educational opportunity.

The Iowa City Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. The belief in equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Laura Gray, Executive Director of Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness (programming), gray.laura@iowacityschools.org Eric Howard, Director of Equity and Employee Relations (employment), howard.eric@iowacityschools.org, 1725 N. Dodge Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52245, (319) 688-1000. If you are unsure how to proceed or would like assistance in discussing your options, you may also contact Janet Abejo-Parker, Ombuds, ombuds@iowacityschools.org or (319) 688-1312.

Board policies, rules and regulations affect students while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.

The board requires all persons, agencies, vendors, contractors and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for the school district to subscribe to all applicable federal and state laws, executive orders, rules and regulations pertaining to contract compliance and equal opportunity.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, are directed to Laura Gray, Executive Director of Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness (programming), gray.laura@iowacityschools.org or Eric Howard, Director of Equity and Employee Relations (employment), howard.eric@iowacityschools.org, 1725 N. Dodge Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52245, (319) 688-1000.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60604 (312) 730-1560, fax (312) 730-1576 OCR.Chicago@ed.gov, the Iowa Civil Rights Commissioner, https://icrc.iowa.gov, (515) 281-4121 or the Iowa Dept. of Education, Grimes State Office Bldg., Des Moines, IA 50319. (515) 281-5294. This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

Policy References:

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. §§ 1221 et seq.  
20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq. 
20 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq. 
29 U.S.C. § 206 et seq. 
29 U.S.C. § 794 
42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e. 
42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq. 
34 C.F.R. Pt. 100.
34 C.F.R. Pt. 104.
Iowa Code §§ 216.6; 216.9; 256.11; 280.3.
281 I.A.C. 12.

Cross Reference:

101             Educational Philosophy of the School District
104             Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy
104.R1       Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Investigation Procedures
104.E1       Complaint Form
104.E2       Witness Disclosure Form
104.E3       Disposition of Complaint Form
401.1         Equal Employment Opportunity
502.3         Student Expression and Student Publications 
502.3R1    Student Expression and Student Publications Regulation
506.1         Education Records Access
506.1R1    Use of Education Records  Regulation
506.1E1    Request of Nonparent for Examination or Copies of Education Records
506.1E2    Authorization for Release of Education Records
506.1E3    Request for Hearing on Correction of Education Records
506.1E4    Request for Examination of Education Records
506.1E5    Notification of Transfer of Education Records
506.1E6    Letter to Parent Regarding Receipt of a Subpoena
506.1E7    Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement
506.1E8    Annual Notice
603.1        Basic Instruction Program
603.4        Multicultural/Gender Fair Education
802.5        Buildings & Sites Adaptation for Persons with Disabilities