102 - Equal Educational Opportunity

Revised & Approved August 15, 2022

[Note: School districts are required by statute to have a policy addressing these issues.]

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that opportunity is provided for all students of the school district.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

A. The policy of the school district is to provide equal educational opportunity for all students. (also reference Equity Policy 102.1) B. The school district does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, including gender identity and expression, or age. The school district also makes reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
C. The school district prohibits harassment and discrimination of any individual for any of the categories based on any of the protected classifications listed above. For information about the types of conduct that constitute violation of the school district’s policy on harassment and violence and the school district’s procedures for addressing such complaints, refer to the school district’s policy on harassment and violence (Policy 413).
D. The school district prohibits discrimination of students with a disability, within the intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”), who need services, accommodations, or programs in order to receive a free appropriate public education. For information as to protections that may apply pursuant to Section 504 and the school district’s corresponding procedures for addressing disability discrimination complaints, refer to the school district’s policy on student disability nondiscrimination (Policy 521).
E. The school district prohibits sexual harassment discrimination of any individual on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities. For information as to the protections that apply pursuant to Title IX and school district’s corresponding procedures and processes for addressing sexual harassment and discrimination, refer 102-1 to the school district’s policy on Title IX sex nondiscrimination (Policy 522).
F. This policy applies to all areas of education including academics, coursework, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, or other rights or privileges of enrollment.
G. Every school district employee, contract person, volunteer or other persons otherwise associated with our school district shall be responsible for complying with this policy.
H. Any student, parent, or guardian having a question regarding this policy should discuss it with the appropriate school district official as provided by policy. In the absence of a specific designee, an inquiry or a complaint should be referred to the superintendent

Legal References:

Minn. Stat. § 121A.03, Subd. 2 (Sexual, Religious, and Racial Harassment and Violence Policy)
Minn. Stat. Ch. 363A (Minnesota Human Rights Act)
20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972)
42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq. (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964)
42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. (Americans with Disabilities Act)

Cross References:

MSBA/MASA Model Policy 402 (Disability Nondiscrimination)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 521 (Student Disability Nondiscrimination)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 522 (Title IX Sex Nondiscrimination Policy,
Grievance Procedure and Process)
Equity Policy 102.1