Notice of Non-Discrimination
Title IX Grievance Procedure for Keystone Montessori
Keystone Montessori is committed to upholding the principles of Title IX and ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, staff, and community members.
1. Filing a Complaint:
Any individual who believes they have been subjected to sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment or any other Title IX violation, or who has witnessed such conduct, may file a complaint. Complaints can be filed by students, parents, employees, or third parties.
Complaints should be submitted in writing to the school's designated Title IX Coordinator (Stefan Linder) within 180 calendar days of the alleged incident(s). The complaint should include a detailed description of the alleged discrimination or harassment, the names of individuals involved, and any relevant supporting evidence. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency to access Title IX information.
2. Title IX Coordinator for Keystone Montessori School:
Stefan Linder
Associate Head of School
E-mail: stefan@keystonemontessori.com
Tel: 480-460-7312
3. Timelines for Resolution:
The school will promptly respond to complaints and initiate an investigation within 10 school days of receiving a formal complaint.
The investigation should be completed within 60 school days of initiating the process. However, the school may extend the timeline for good cause with written notice to the parties, explaining the reason for the extension.
The school will make reasonable efforts to provide updates to the complainant and respondent regarding the status of the investigation and the anticipated timeline for resolution.
4. Investigation Process:
The investigation will be conducted by the Title IX Coordinator (Stefan Linder) or a trained and impartial investigator appointed by the school, who has no conflict of interest with the parties involved.
The investigator will interview witnesses, gather evidence, and review any relevant documentation to assess the credibility and relevance of the information provided.
Both the complainant and respondent may present witnesses and evidence during the investigation to support their respective positions.
5. Interim Measures:
In cases involving sexual harassment or any form of discrimination that may pose an immediate threat to the safety or well-being of the parties, the school may implement interim measures during the investigation. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, no-contact orders, changes in class schedules, or other appropriate actions to ensure a safe learning environment.
6. Findings and Resolution:
Upon completion of the investigation the Title IX Coordinator (Stefan Linder) or investigator will provide the parties with copies of the evidence reviewed in the investigation. The parties will have 10 days to review and ask questions or provide additional information to the investigator regarding the evidence. At the conclusion of the 10 day review period, the investigator will finalize the investigation report and provide a copy of the written report to the parties and the Title IX Decision Maker. The report will include a summary of the evidence gathered, findings of fact, and a determination of whether the alleged conduct violated Title IX. The parties will have another 10 days to review the report and provide additional information or ask questions of to the decision maker.
The school's Title IX Decision Maker will review the report and issue a written decision within approximately 10 school days of receiving the investigator's report. The decision will inform both the complainant and respondent of the outcome and any resulting corrective actions.
7. Appeals:
Both the complainant and respondent have the right to appeal the decision within 10 school days of receiving the written decision. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the school's Title IX Coordinator, (Stefan Linder) stating the grounds for appeal.
8. Corrective Actions:
If the investigation substantiates a Title IX violation, the school will take appropriate corrective actions to end the discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and address any effects on the complainant and the school community.
9. Confidentiality:
FERPA regulations are meticulously adhered to throughout the Title IX investigation process to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of student records and sensitive information.
10. Retaliation Prohibition:
The school strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who files a complaint, participates in an investigation, or opposes any discriminatory practices under Title IX. If you are a participant in a Title IX investigation and believe you have been retaliated against, please contact the Title IX Coordinator (Stefan Linder) immediately.
It is essential for the school to follow this grievance procedure to ensure compliance with Title IX regulations and provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, staff, and community members.
11. Investigations and Office for Civil Rights
We affirm our full cooperation with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) during any compliance reviews or investigations related to Title IX. We take Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, very seriously. Any complaint brought to our attention will be thoroughly investigated to ensure a fair and just resolution.
If you believe that an incident of sex-based discrimination has occurred, you have the right to file a complaint directly with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which oversees Title IX compliance. Filing with OCR is an option available to all individuals, and you can do so regardless of whether you have already reported the matter to the school.
Additionally, if you are not satisfied with the outcome of our school's investigation, you have the right to contact OCR to request a review of the matter. OCR will assess the complaint independently and ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to address any potential violations of Title IX.
OCR Contact Information:
Denver Office
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building
1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310
Denver, CO 80204-3582
Telephone: 303-844-5695
FAX: 303-844-4303; TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov