Board of Education Policy 7:10 Equal Education Opportunities provides:

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to color, race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, physical and mental handicap or disability, gender identity, status of being homeless, order of protection status, or actual or potential parental or marital status, including pregnancy. Further, the district will not knowingly enter into agreements with any entity or any individual that discriminates against students on the basis of any protected status, except that the district remains viewpoint neutral when granting access to school facilities under Board Policy 8:20, Community Use of School Facilities. Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using the Uniform Complaint Procedure.

Nondiscrimination

The District prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of color, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, immigration status, order of protection status, status of being homeless, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other legally protected characteristic.

District employees are expected to demonstrate sensitivity and respect in dealing with students. The District’s prohibition against discrimination includes, but is not limited to, proscribing any employee from making any discriminatory statements, comments, or remarks to or about any student or engaging in any discriminatory conduct toward any student because of or relating to the student’s legally protected characteristic. District employees found to have violated the District’s non-discrimination or equal education policies will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

Gender Equity

No student shall, on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits, or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.

Any student may file a gender equity complaint by using the Uniform Complaint Procedure. A student may appeal the Board of Education's resolution of the complaint to the Regional Superintendent of Schools (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/3 10 of The School Code) and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.8 of The School Code).

The superintendent appoints a nondiscrimination coordinator. The superintendent and building administrators shall inform staff members and students of this policy and grievance procedure.

Any district employee, parent, or student may file a complaint of discrimination pursuant to the Uniform Grievance Procedure (Board Policy 2:260) by bringing his or her complaint to one of the non-discrimination coordinators identified below.

Equal Access

The District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other designated youth groups.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator/Title IX Coordinators:

• Claire Kowalczyk, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent, kowalczc@ccsd15.net, 847-963-3202, 580 N 1st Bank Drive, Palatine IL 60067
• Thomas Edgar, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services, edgart@ccsd15.net, 847-963-3106, 580 N 1st Bank Drive, Palatine IL 60067