AC - NONDISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION 

AC - NONDISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION 

Regional School District 21 (RSU21) does not discriminate on the basis of sex and other protected categories in its education programs and activities, as required by federal and state laws and regulations.

RSU21 prohibits discrimination, including harassment, of school employees on the basis of:  

• Race (including traits associated with race involving hair texture, Afro hairstyles, and protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, and locks);
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions;
• Parental, family, or marital status; 
• Color;
• Religion;
• Ancestry or national origin;
• Age;
• Disability; and
• Genetic information.

RSU21 prohibits discrimination, including harassment, of students on the basis of:

• Race (including traits associated with race involving hair texture, Afro hairstyles, and protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, and locks);
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy, or related conditions;
• Parental, family, or marital status;
• Color;
• Religion;
• Ancestry or national origin; and 
• Disability.

Implementation of Discrimination Prevention Program

The Board directs the RSU21 school administration to implement a continuing program designed to prevent discrimination against all applicants, employees, students, and other individuals having access rights to school premises, programs, and activities.

1. Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator

RSU21  has designated and authorized an Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator who is responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal and state requirements prohibiting discrimination, including sexual/sex-based harassment.  The Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator is a person with direct access to the Superintendent.  

2. Complaint Procedures and Notification Requirements

RSU21 has implemented complaint procedures for resolving complaints of discrimination and harassment under this policy.  RSU21 provides required notices of non-discrimination policies and complaint procedures, how they can be accessed, and the school unit’s compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations to all applicants for employment, employees, students, parents, and other interested parties.

Legal References:

Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-261), amending Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1965, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e to 2000e-17.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688, as amended by 34 C.F.R. § 106.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-7.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 623-634.

Equal Pay Act of 1963, 29 U.S.C. § 206.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), 29 U.S.C. § 794, as amended by 34 C.F.R. § 104.7.

Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213, as amended by 28 C.F.R. § 35.107.  

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, 29 U.S.C. §§ 2000ff to 2000ff-11.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000gg to 2000gg-6.

Maine Human Rights Act, 5 M.R.S.A. §§ 4551-4634 (2023).

Cross References:

RSU21 Affirmative Action Plan

ACAA- Harassment of Students

ACAA-R1 – Student Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure 

ACAA-R2 – Student Sex Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Procedure

ACAB – Harassment of Employees

ACAB-R1 – Employee Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure

ACAB-R2 – Employee Sex Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Procedure

GBEB - Ethical and Responsible Behavior

GBGB – Workplace Bullying

JICIA - Weapons, Violence and School Safety - Rules for Students, Staff and Visitors

JICK – Bullying 

JIE – Pregnant Students

JRA - Student Education Records and Information

Adopted: 8/17/2020  

Revised: 6/6/2022 

Revised: 1/9/2023

Revised: 10/21/24