Title IX
FPCSO Title IX and Non-Discrimination Notice
Friendship Public Charter School Online is a program of:
Friendship Public Charter School
Administrative Office 1351 Nicholson Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
www.Friendship.org
Notice of Nondiscrimination
In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VI”), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (“The Age Act”), Friendship PCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, income derived all or in part from any public assistance programs, or protected genetic information in employment or any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Friendship PCS’ non-discrimination policies:
Tamika Maultsby, Deputy Chief of Staff
Friendship Public Charter School
Community Office 120 Q Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202.281.1700
484.713.4353
Grievance Policy and Procedure for Parents/Guardians and Students
The procedures outlined below establish how complaints regarding discrimination or harassment will be investigated and resolved. These grievance procedures are intended to provide for a prompt and equitable resolution of complaints. Procedures related to employees are addressed in the Friendship PCS staff handbook.
Who May file: Any person, including a student, parent or visitor, who believes they have been discriminated against or been the subject of harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment in, Friendship PCS’ programs and activities may make a informal or formal complaint.
Informal Complaint: Friendship PCS recognizes that most if not all disputes are capable of being resolved amicably when there is communication between the person who believes they have been discriminated against or the subject of harassment and the school’s administration. Friendship PCS encourages but does not require that any person who has a grievance speaks directly with the school Principal in an effort to resolve the concern(s).
Formal Complaint
Step 1 Initiation
A written notice must be completed and signed by the grievant and submitted to the Principal at the particular campus within ninety (90) calendar days of the alleged discrimination or harassment. A complaint form may also be obtained from the school’s front office. The written notice must identify the subject of the complaint, the time frame/date(s) of the occurrence and the resolution or relief sought. The written notice should be signed and dated.
Step 2 Investigation
The Principal or his/her designee will promptly conduct a thorough and impartial investigation of the matters outlined in the complaint. Each investigation will consist of obtaining written evidence, interviewing witnesses and allowing parties to present evidence. All matters relating to the investigation and/or the alleged discrimination or harassment are considered confidential and will not be disclosed to persons not involved in the investigation except as required by law.
Step 3 Response
Within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving the written notice, the Principal or his/her designee will respond to the grievant in writing, summarizing the information obtained from the investigation, determine whether the grievance was substantiated and if so, propose an appropriate resolution. If the grievance was substantiated, immediate action will be taken to rectify the problem.
Step 4 Appeal
If the grievant is not satisfied with the decision of the Principal he/she may appeal the decision through a signed written statement to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Tamika Maultsby at the Community Office, 120 Q Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, phone number 202.281.1700 within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the Principal’s response. In an attempt to resolve the grievance, the Deputy Chief of Staff or designee shall meet with the concerned parties and their representatives within thirty (30) calendar days of the receipt of such an appeal. A copy of the Deputy Chief of Staff’s or designee’s disposition of the appeal shall be sent to each concerned party within ten (10) calendar days of this meeting.
A grievant who is not satisfied with the process or response or does not wish to utilize this process may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights at any time before or during the grievance procedures. The regional office for the District of Columbia is located at 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202 and can be reached at 202.453.6020 (phone); 202.453.6021 (fax).
Prohibition Against Retaliation
Friendship PCS will not tolerate or permit retaliation against a grievant who files a complaint pursuant to this policy. Immediate action will be taken against any person found to have retaliated against a grievant that has made a complaint.
Community Office Phone: 202.281.1700
Additional Information Resources:
D.C. Public Charter School Board website www.dcpcsb.org
Friends of Choice in Urban Schools website www.focus-dccharter.org
D.C. Public Charter School Board website www.dcpcsb.org