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BREADCRUMB

Our District Stands Against Discrimination

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

What is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities or opportunities.

For more information, review the District’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

For more information, review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

What can I do if I am concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk with any of the coordinators listed below or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

Concerns about discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator
Nancy Pham
Civil Rights and HIB Compliance Officer
phamn@bsd405.org
425-456-4040

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:

Title IX Coordinator
Jeff Lowell
Director of Athletics and Activities
lowellj@bsd405.org
425-456-4010

Concerns about disability discrimination:

Section 504 Coordinator
Karen Dejong
dejongk@bsd405.org
425-456-4144

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Nancy Pham
Civil Rights and HIB Compliance Officer
phamn@bsd405.org
425-456-4040

Mailing address for all Compliance Coordinators: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or deliver to the school principal, district superintendent or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation and within one year of the conduct or incident.

What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will provide you with a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:

  • A summary of the results of the investigation
  • A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
  • Any corrective measures or remedies needed
  • Notice about how you can appeal the decision

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the Disciplinary Appeals Council (DAC) and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210P and Sexual Harassment Procedure 3205P.

I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?

Harassment, intimidation or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it is related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210P and the HIB Procedure 3207P to fully resolve your complaint.

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

  • Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
  • Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
  • Phone: 360-725-6068

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) works with families, communities and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.