Title IX
MVCA Title IX and Non-Discrimination Notice
Title IX and Non-Discrimination Notice
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. Section 1681 et seq., prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment as defined in this policy, in any program, service or activity, including admission to these programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits sex discrimination in employment. Retaliation against a person who reports or opposes improper discrimination or retaliation is likewise prohibited under Title IX. Michigan Virtual Charter Academy (MVCA) shall fully comply with Title IX and its accompanying regulations.
This policy applies to prohibited conduct in any academic, educational, extra-curricular, or other programs, activities, and events whether occurring at school during MVCA's educational program and process including but not limited to the online learning system (OLS), Class Connects, email, telephone, in-person or virtual conferences with third-party contracted employees and staff, and third-party contractors/vendors who provide services to MVCA on any premises or equipment owned, leased, or used by MVCA; in a motor vehicle owned or leased by MVCA or being used for a school-related purpose, or at any MVCA-related event, activity, or function; traveling by any means to or from school or an MVCA-related event, activity, or function; and in any location where the conduct has a sufficient connection to or with MVCA, third-party contracted employees or staff members assigned to work at or on behalf of MVCA, third-party contractors/vendors, MVCA students or property that adversely and significantly interferes with or endangers the good order of MVCA's educational program or environment, the proper functioning of the educational program, MVCA-related event, activity, or function.
MVCA encourages anyone who believes a Title IX violation may have occurred to report their concerns to MVCA's third-party contracted employee or staff member assigned to work at or on behalf of MVCA: MVCA's elementary or secondary principal, the head of school, or a Title IX coordinator. MVCA's Title IX coordinators are:
Title IX Coordinators
Corista Johnson (Nichols)
Federal Program Manager
5910 Tahoe Drive, S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: 269.487.6903
Email: conichols@k12.com
David Krause
Counselor
5910 Tahoe Drive S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: 616.309.1600 x 1623
Email: dkrause@k12.com
504 Coordinator
Tara Elfakir
504 Coordinator
5910 Tahoe Drive S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: 616.309.1600 x 3131
Email: telfakir@k12.com
Office of Civil Rights – US Department of Education
For information on how to contact, click this link: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/about-us/contact-us/index.html.
Definitions
- "Complainant" means the person who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment. (Sexual violence/sexual abuse is included within the definition of sexual harassment as defined below.)
- "Respondent" means the person who has been reported to be the perpetrator of the conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.
- "Employee or staff" means K12 contracted staff who are involved in the educational program.
- "Third parties" include, but are not limited to, parents/guardians/Learning Coaches, third-party contracted employees and staff members assigned to work at or on behalf of MVCA, guests and/or visitors, volunteers, third-party contractors or vendors doing business with or seeking to do business with MVCA's board and other individuals who come into contact with students at school-related events, activities, or functions (whether on or off MVCA property) or during MVCA's educational program as described in the MVCA board's Title IX policy.
- "Formal complaint" is defined as a document filed by the complainant or signed by the Title IX coordinator alleging sexual harassment against a respondent and requesting that MVCA investigate the allegation(s) of sexual harassment.
- "Sexual harassment" is defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
1. A third-party contracted employee or staff member assigned to work at or on behalf of MVCA who conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of MVCA on an individual's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (i.e., quid pro quo sexual harassment)
2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to MVCA's education programs or activities
3. Sexual assault (as defined in the Cleary Act, 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(a)(v)), dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking (as defined in the Violence Against Women Act, 34 U.S.C.12291)
The MVCA board has adopted a Title IX grievance procedure, which includes the procedures for reporting and filing a formal Title IX complaint, mandatory and discretionary dismissals of a Title IX complaint, an informal and formal resolution process, investigation process and procedures, supportive measures that may be implemented prior to or during the investigation of a formal complaint, written report regarding the outcome of the investigation, the right to appeal to the MVCA board of directors.
Please consult MVCA's Title IX policy for further details and information.
MVCA reserves the right to change, modify, amend, or repeal all or any part of this grievance
