Title IX is the federal law that bans sex discrimination in any school that gets federal funding. That covers Montesano. If a student is being treated differently because of sex — or harassed, excluded, or punished for being pregnant — that's a Title IX issue, and we're required to do something about it.

What counts as a Title IX issue?

Plain examples — most aren't obvious at first, so it's worth knowing:

  • Sexual harassment by a peer or staff member — comments, touching, or unwanted sexual attention serious enough to interfere with school.
  • Sexual assault, dating violence, stalking — yes, even when it happens off campus, if it affects the student at school.
  • Different rules or punishments based on sex — dress codes enforced only against one group, separate consequences for the same behavior.
  • Pregnancy or parenting discrimination — being pushed out of classes, athletics, or activities because a student is pregnant.
  • Exclusion from sports or programs based on sex, including unequal opportunities for boys' vs. girls' teams.
  • Retaliation for reporting any of the above.

If you're not sure whether something qualifies, ask. The Title IX Coordinator in the right sidebar can talk it through with no obligation to file anything.

How to report

Anyone — student, parent, employee, or community member — can report a concern. Reports can be in person, by phone, by email, or in writing. Anonymous reports are accepted, but they may limit the district's ability to investigate.

What happens next

The district follows the timeline laid out in Board Policy 3205 and WAC 392-190. The general shape:

  • Within 2 school days of receiving the report, the Title IX Coordinator acknowledges it in writing and explains the next step.
  • Immediate supportive measures are offered to the person who reported — schedule changes, no-contact directives, counseling — whether or not a formal investigation moves forward.
  • Investigation completes within about 30 calendar days in most cases. Both sides are interviewed; evidence is reviewed; a written outcome is shared with both parties.
  • Either party may appealthe outcome to the Superintendent within 10 school days, and (if still unresolved) to OSPI Equity & Civil Rights within 20 school days after that.

Confidentiality is protected to the extent the law allows. The district shares information only with people who need it to investigate or to keep the student safe.

Retaliation is itself a violation

The district will not punish — directly or indirectly — anyone who reports in good faith, supports another person's report, or participates in an investigation. Retaliation is itself a Title IX violation and a Board Policy violation.

See also

For the full citizen-complaint process — district investigation, board appeal, and OSPI escalation — see Citizen Complaint.