SCHOOL DISTRICT OF OKALOOSA COUNTY

POLICY

PROHIBITS

DISCRIMINATION OR HARASSMENT

IN THE EDUCATION OR WORK

ENVIRONMENT

ADULTS – (6-28) EQUITY POLICY:                                    

Discrimination or harassment concerning an individual’s race, color, sex, age, religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, marital status, or disability is a form of misconduct which undermines the integrity of the employment relationship.   Sexual harassment by an employee or volunteer or person with whom the district contracts for services toward another individual while under the jurisdiction of the district is strictly prohibited.  

STUDENTS – (4-34) EQUITY POLICY: 

It is the policy of the School Board of Okaloosa County to offer students the opportunity to participate in appropriate programs, services and activities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, parenthood, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, or social and family background.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES:

If an adult needs to report an alleged violation of these policies, an informal Equity Complaint should be made to a principal or department director.  If the situation cannot be resolved informally, a Formal Equity Grievance (MIS 5139, Rev. 10/00), in compliance with School Board Policy 6-29, should be directed to the Superintendent’s designee listed below.  Employees have the option of filing a grievance through appropriate Master Contract procedures in lieu of the Formal Equity Grievance.

Students should promptly report complaints pertaining to the Okaloosa School District’s Equity Policy to a teacher, the principal, or to the principal’s administrative designee in charge of the school’s disciplinary office.  The District’s Equity Coordinator will be immediately notified by the school’s administrative staff when a complaint is filed.

SUPERINTENDENT’S DESIGNEES:

Arden E. Farley                     Equity (Equal Opportunity)                 833-5803

Melody Sommer                    504 – Rehabilitation Act – 1973                          833-3164

Jerry Sansom                        Athletics/Safe Schools Representative              833-5861

THIS POLICY IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FLORIDA EDUCATIONAL EQUITY ACT OF 1973 AND OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS AND RULES