NOTICE:

Our District and the Title IX Coordinator are aware of and acknowledge the new Title IX regulations effective on August 1, 2024.  Our Title IX Coordinator and Team received training on these new regulations on July 31, 2024.  We are in the process of reviewing and revising our Title IX policies and practices, after input from our stake-holders in order to implement a fair, thorough and impartial Title IX complaint process and District response.  As always, if you want to report discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, or if you need reasonable modifications related to pregnancy or a pregnancy related condition, please reach out to our Title IX Coordinator, Brett Nickelson, at 3430 A Street, Atwater, CA 95301, (209) 325-2015 and bnickelson@muhsd.org.

(Pursuant to Education Code section 221.61)

Policy Against Discrimination Based on Sex

The Merced Union High School District is committed to providing educational programs, activities and services that are free from unlawful discrimination based on actual or perceived legally protected characteristics, or association with a person or group with one or more of such characteristics, including sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The District’s nondiscrimination/harassment policy is found at Board Policy No. 1312.3. The requirement not to discriminate in the education program or activity extends to employment.

Summary of the Rights of Pupils and/or the Public (Including Employees) (Education Code Section 221.8)

• 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 your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school. You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.
• You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following:
  • Equipment and supplies
  • Scheduling of games and practices
  • Transportation and daily allowances
  • Access to tutoring
  • Coaching
  • Locker rooms
  • Practice and competitive facilities
  • Medical and training facilities and services
  • Publicity
• You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.
• You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
• You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office for Civil Rights or the State 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.

For more information regarding student, parent/guardian, employee, or public rights under Title IX, please visit:

• The California Office of Equal Opportunity
• The United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights

The School’s Responsibilities

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex within federally funded education institutions. Thus, all educational programs and activities must be operated free from discrimination. Key areas addressed by Title IX include: recruitment, admissions, counseling; financial assistance; athletics; sex-based harassment and violence; treatment of pregnant and parenting students; discipline; off-campus activities, single-sex education; and employment. Education institutions must protect against discrimination in these areas. Also, a recipient may not retaliate against any person for opposing an educational practice or policy made unlawful under Title IX, filing a complaint under Title IX, or testifying or participating in any complaint action under Title IX. These protections apply to all applicants for admission and employment, students and parents or guardians of elementary and secondary school students, and employees.

For more information about the school’s responsibilities under Title IX, please visit:

• The California Office of Equal Opportunity 
• The United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights 

Title IX Training:

• Title IX Investigator Training Session-July 2024
• Implementing the 2024 Title IX Regulations for K-12 Schools and Districts-July 2024
• Title IX Investigator Training Session 2-August 2023
• Title IX Investigator Training Session 1-August 2023
• Title IX Team Training-August 2023
• Title IX Coordinator Training-June 2023
• Title IX Investigator Training Session 2-October 2022
• Title IX Investigator Training Session 1- September 2022
• Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator-July 2022
• All MUHSD Admin Training-June 2022
• Title IX Team Training-February 2022
• Title IX Coordinator Training-September 2021

How to Report

You can report discrimination and harassment based on sex to any school staff member or to the district's Title IX Coordinator, listed below. You also have the right to file a complaint, for information proceed to our Reporting Options or File a Complaint web page.