Mount Madonna School (MMS) is committed to providing a safe school environment that allows all students equal access and opportunities in academic and other educational support programs, services, and activities.
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in all educational programs and activities, including athletic programs. No person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity operated by MMS. Title IX protects all participants in the school’s educational programs and activities, including students, parents, employees, and job applicants. MMS does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment and sexual violence.
In addition to Title IX, the California Education Code prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in schools. (California Education Code §§ 220-221.1.) Other state and federal laws also prohibit discrimination and ensure equality in education.
What are my rights under Title IX?
You have the following rights under Title IX, to the extent applicable at MMS:
- You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
- You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
- You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of MMS or other appropriate MMS personnel as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
- You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following related to athletics, if any are provided by MMS:
- Equipment and supplies
- Scheduling of games and practices
- Transportation
- Coaching
- Changing rooms
- Practice and competitive facilities
- Publicity
- You have the right to have access to a sex/gender equity coordinator, referred to as the Title IX Coordinator, to answer questions regarding sex/gender equity laws.
- You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on sex/gender equity laws.
- You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the California Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex.
- You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
- You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint. (California Education Code § 221.8.)
MMS has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. If MMS knows or reasonably should know about sex discrimination, it must take action to eliminate the sex discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. MMS must resolve complaints of sex discrimination promptly and equitably. Information on filing a complaint alleging sex-based discrimination is below, including contact information for the MMS Title IX Coordinator.
For more information specific to anti-discrimination at MMS, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.
Learn more about your rights under Title IX:
- Visit the website of the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and the web page on sex discrimination.
- Review United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, Know Your Rights documents:
- Title IX prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence
- Title IX requires the District to address sexual violence
- Title IX prohibits discrimination against pregnant or parenting individuals
- Visit the website of the California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity and the web page on Gender Equity/Title IX.
Who is the Title IX Coordinator?
MMS has a Title IX Coordinator who oversees the school’s compliance with Title IX requirements and promotes sex equity in MMS programs. Contact the MMS Title IX Coordinator:
Blythe Collier, Title IX Coordinator
Mount Madonna School
491 Summit Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
Telephone: 408-846-4055
As required by federal Title IX law, MMS Title IX coordinator and Title IX decision makers attended training sessions to prepare us for our compliance with Title IX regulations. Here are links to training materials provided by School and College Legal Services of California (SCLS), the organization that provided the training sessions:
