Non-Discrimination and Title IX

Board Policy 1150: Equity

In November 2022, our Board of Education approved a new equity policy. The policy defines equity as an action and an outcome for students across our district. The policy also challenges us to apply an equity lens through a systems approach and individual application and expands our commitment to equity to all levels of the organization. 

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

In compliance with federal law, Wake County Public School System administers all education programs, employment activities, and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Wake County Public School System programs are staffed and offered without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political affiliation, or disability.

Title VI

No person shall, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the Wake County Public School System in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Policies 1710 and 1720 govern complaints alleging Title VI violations. General inquiries regarding Title VI compliance and appeal procedures may be directed to the Title VI Coordinator. The Title VI Coordinator is the Assistant Superintendent for Equity Affairs.

The Title VI Coordinator may be contacted by email, telephone, or mail as follows:

Wake County Public School System
5625 Dillard Drive - Crossroads I
(919) 694-7903

 

Title IX 

The Wake County Board of Education will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities, in admission to its educational programs or activities, or in employment policies and practices in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator.

For allegations or reports that a student has engaged in sexual harassment:

Gia Hoke, Title IX Coordinator for Students
Office of Equity Affairs
Phone:  919-694-7637
Email:  ghoke@wcpss.net


For allegations or reports that an employee, volunteer, or contractor has engaged in sexual harassment:

Sally Pitofsky, Title IX Coordinator for Employees
Senior Administrator – Employee Relations
Phone:  919-533-7221
Email:  spitofsky@wcpss.net

 

Review the Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure

Grievances regarding alleged sexual harassment 

Grievances regarding alleged sexual harassment may be raised according to the procedures outlined in Board Policy 1710 and the Title IX grievance procedure linked in the Title IX summary above.

Title IX and Sexual Harassment Training and Resources

• Sexual Harassment Training Video for All Staff 
• Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures 

 

Title IX and Sexual Harassment Board Policies

The following policies are found in the New Manual 

• 1710/4021/7230 - Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, And Bullying
• 1720/4015/7225 - Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Complaint Process
• Regulation Code: 1710/4021/7230-R&P(1) Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures
• Regulation Code: 1710/4021/7230-R&P(2) Additional Definitions Related to Title IX Sexual Harassment 
• 4040/7310 - Staff-Student Relations

 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act  

No child will be excluded from any educational program or be subject to discrimination because he/she is an individual with a disability, and no applicant/employee will be subject to the same, as the term is defined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Protected individuals include any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such impairment. The Wake County Public School System has designated a Section 504/ADA Coordinator for students and a Section 504/ADA Coordinator for employees, and these are the contact persons for questions related to Section 504/ADA and are responsible for coordinating WCPSS’s compliance efforts. A Section 504/ADA contact for each school has been trained to serve as a resource for parents, guardians, and staff. Implementation procedures shall be available through the Section 504/ADA Coordinator and the Section 504/ADA contact at each school. Wake County Public School System will adhere to state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the employment of individuals with disabilities and education of students with disabilities as well as Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities as adopted by the State Board of Education. 

To support compliance and provide assistance, the district has designated the following Section 504 Coordinators:

Joseph Man, Section 504/ADA Student Coordinator
Phone: (919) 694-0581
Email: jman@wcpss.net 
110 Corning Road, Cary
North Carolina 27518 
 

Sally Pitofsky, Section 504/ADA Employee Coordinator
Phone:  919-533-7221
Email:  spitofsky@wcpss.net
 

These individuals are responsible for coordinating WCPSS’s efforts to comply with Section 504 and its regulations. For questions or concerns related to Section 504, including regarding accommodations, please contact the appropriate coordinator.

Broad Protection Against Discrimination And Inviting, Inclusive Environment for All Students

The Wake County Public School System is committed to a nondiscriminatory, inviting, and inclusive school environment for all students. We have broad protections against discrimination as set forth in multiple Board policies, including Policy 1710 and 1720.  Parents and students who perceive any form of discrimination are encouraged to report it to the school principal. Further, parents and students are encouraged to contact the principal for any requests for assistance or accommodations to assure a nondiscriminatory, inviting, and inclusive school environment.  Our principals work with students and parents in a sensitive, individual manner to assist students requesting specific assistance or accommodations. Further, our principals communicate directly with the school system’s Section 504 Coordinator and Title IX Equity Officer (referenced above) in providing guidance and assistance to students and parents. Our principals receive updates on applicable legal protections including guidance from the federal government. Please see these sample letters: example 1, example 2. 

 

CTE Non-Discrimination Statement

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an integral part of the comprehensive secondary school program in Wake County. The Wake County Public School System offers a comprehensive Career and Technical Education program for students in middle and high schools. Courses are offered in Agricultural Education; Business, Finance, and Information Technology Education; Career Development Education; Family and Consumer Sciences Education; Health Science Education; Marketing and Entrepreneurship Education; Technology, Engineering, and Design Education; and Trade and Industrial Education. To ensure all students have access to CTE and are successful, Career Development and Special Populations support services are also available. All programs may not be offered at each middle and high school. 

 

Grievances Against Child Nutrition

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C . 20250-9410 or call toll-free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.