• What counts as discrimination/harassment based on sex? 

Discrimination or harassment based on sex means treating someone unfairly or disrespectfully because of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This includes behavior or actions that create a hostile or uncomfortable school environment.

It can happen when a student or staff member is denied participation in, or benefits from, a school program or activity because of their sex or gender. It also includes sexual harassment—such as unwanted comments, jokes, gestures, touching, or advances—as well as bullying or teasing based on gender stereotypes or how someone expresses their identity.

Retaliation against anyone who reports or helps address sexual harassment or discrimination is also prohibited. Schools must respond quickly, investigate all concerns, and take steps to stop the behavior and prevent it from happening again.

See full definition in California Education Code § 230

• Student Rights (Ed Code § 221.8)

All students have the right to a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment. This includes the right to express their opinions, access school programs and activities without unfair treatment, and participate in decisions that affect their education. Students also have the right to report concerns about safety, discrimination, harassment, or bullying without fear of retaliation.

Schools are required to protect these rights, respond to student concerns, and ensure that every student can learn in an environment free from discrimination or harassment.

See full text of California Education Code § 221.8

• Your Rights Under Title IX

  • You have the right to be free from sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, in all school programs and activities.

  • You have the right to report sexual harassment or discrimination and have your concerns taken seriously.

  • Schools must investigate complaints promptly and fairly.

  • You have the right to supportive measures while a complaint is being investigated, such as changes to schedules or access to resources to keep you safe and supported.

  • Retaliation against anyone who reports or participates in a Title IX process is prohibited.

  • You have the right to be informed of the outcome of any investigation.

  • Schools must provide education and training on preventing sexual harassment and supporting a safe learning environment.

• How to Contact the SDCCS Title IX Coordinator 

Sarah Salua – Executive Director
San Diego Cooperative Charter School
7260 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111
858-496-1613
sarah@sdccs.org

• How to File a Title IX Complaint 

1. 1. Report the Concern

Contact the Title IX Coordinator: You can file a complaint directly with SDCCS by contacting the Title IX Coordinator:
Name: Sarah Saluta, Executive Director
Phone: (858) 496-1613
Email: sarah@sdccs.org
Address: 7260 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92111

You are not required to attempt resolution through the school site before contacting the Title IX Coordinator.

1. 2. Initial Response

Prompt Action: Upon receiving a complaint, SDCCS will take immediate steps to stop harassment and protect the victim from further harassment pending the outcome of the complaint.
Supportive Measures: The Title IX Coordinator will discuss the availability of supportive measures, which are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services designed to protect the safety of a party or the school environment.

1. 3. Grievance Process

Investigation: SDCCS will conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into the complaint.
Timelines: SDCCS is committed to resolving complaints in a timely manner.
Confidentiality: Supportive measures are confidential, except to the extent necessary to implement them.

1. 4. Outcome and Remedies

Written Decision: After the investigation, SDCCS will issue a written decision regarding the outcome of the complaint.
Remedies: If discrimination is found, SDCCS will take steps to remedy the situation, which may include disciplinary actions or other measures to ensure a safe and equitable environment.

1. 5. Appeals

Right to Appeal: If you disagree with the outcome, you have the right to appeal the decision.

For more detailed information, you can refer to SDCCS’s Title IX Policy online. https://lv.sdccs.org/title-ix-educational-equity/

• Appeals & External Options: 

If you disagree with the outcome of a Title IX complaint at SDCCS, you have the right to appeal within the school. You also have the option to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). OCR investigates complaints of sex-based discrimination in schools and can provide additional support or enforcement.

File an OCR complaint here: https://ocrcas.ed.gov

• CDE Title IX Information: 

CDE Direct Link – Gender Equity/Title IX

• Policy Overview: SDCCS prohibits sexual harassment—unwelcome sexual behavior in school such as sexual comments or jokes, sharing sexual pictures or links, pressuring for sexual favors, or touching without permission—and protects every student’s right to learn free from discrimination. If you experience, witness, or learn of harassment, tell any trusted SDCCS adult or contact the Title IX Coordinator (Sarah Saluta, sarah@sdccs.org, 858-496-1613) in person, by email, or by phone; online or off-campus conduct that disrupts school may also be reported, and emergencies should be reported to 911. SDCCS will respond promptly, offer supportive measures as needed (for example safety plans, schedule changes, no-contact directions, or counseling), and, if you want a formal investigation, you may file a Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) form (available at [link/location]); the school will issue a written decision within 60 days unless you agree in writing to extend the timeline, you may appeal certain decisions to the California Department of Education within 30 days, both the reporting party and the person accused will be treated fairly and kept informed as allowed by law, and retaliation for reporting or participating in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

• Full Policy (PDF or web page): Harassment, Discrimination, Intimidation and Bullying Prevention Policy

• Policy Overview:SDCCS defines hate-motivated incidents as behavior—verbal, written, electronic, or physical—motivated in whole or in part by bias against a protected characteristic (for example race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or nationality) that intimidates, harasses, harms, or damages property; when conduct meets the “hate violence” standard (grades 4–12), discipline may include suspension or expulsion under Education Code §48900.3. To prevent such incidents, SDCCS posts required anti-discrimination and anti-bullying information on its website, trains staff and students, teaches digital citizenship and upstander skills, and requires staff who witness bullying/harassment to intervene when it is safe to do so. Reports can be made to any trusted adult or the Title IX/Compliance Officer; the school promptly investigates under applicable procedures (e.g., UCP/Title IX), provides supportive measures, notifies families as appropriate, and coordinates with law enforcement if criminal conduct is suspected. Responses aim to stop harm, prevent recurrence, and repair impact, and may include discipline alongside education and restorative supports such as restorative circles, mediated dialogue, bias-awareness lessons, re-entry plans, and counseling. Online or off-campus conduct that substantially disrupts school is also addressed.

• Full Policy: Hate-Motivated Behavior Administrative Regulation

Our Commitments

• Safe, inclusive learning environments; timely, impartial investigations; protection from retaliation; education and supports for students.

What is bullying? SDCCS defines bullying as severe or pervasive behavior—physical (hitting, tripping, damaging property), verbal (name-calling, threats), relational/social (spreading rumors, social exclusion), or cyber (texts, posts, images, impersonation)—directed at one or more students that causes or can reasonably be predicted to cause fear of harm, a substantially detrimental effect on physical or mental health, substantial interference with academic performance, or substantial interference with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from school services, activities, or privileges; “electronic acts” may originate on or off campus and still be bullying if they create a substantial disruption or meet these effects. Bullying can be based on any personal characteristic; when it targets protected characteristics (for example disability, gender, gender identity/expression, nationality, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or characteristics listed in Penal Code §422.55), it is also unlawful discrimination/harassment under California Education Code §§200–220 and is addressed through SDCCS’s complaint procedures. Off-campus and online conduct that substantially disrupts the school environment or interferes with student participation is subject to school response and discipline consistent with Education Code §48900(r) and AB 256.California Code, Education Code – EDC § 48900

Procedures

• How to Report: online form, email, phone, in‑person; anonymous option; emergencies → call 911.
• What Happens Next: intake, supportive measures, investigation steps, outcomes, and appeal options.
• Protections: confidentiality to the extent permitted by law, anti‑retaliation, disability/ELL supports, interpreter access.
• Education & Prevention: class lessons (SEL, digital citizenship), PBIS/MTSS, Restorative Practices, staff training, Responsive Classroom.

Documents

Board Policy / Admin Reg (Bullying & Cyberbullying): Harassment, Discrimination, Intimidation and Bullying Prevention Policy Complaint with the Safe Place to Learn Act

Cyberbullying can occur on many kinds of platforms, including:

• Websites with free and easy registration (blogs, forums, community sites)
• Peer‑to‑peer instant messaging (direct messages, group chats)
• Sites with comment sections (discussion threads, live streams)
• Image and video sharing platforms (photo/video posts, stories, live video)

Tip for families: Save evidence (screenshots/URLs), block/report within the app, and submit an SDCCS report with as much detail as possible (dates, usernames, links).

• CDE Bullying Prevention Training & Resources: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/bullyres.asp

• StopBullying.gov (federal): https://www.stopbullying.gov/
• Local/Regional Support: (SELPA, County Office, youth mental health, community‑based orgs) 
• El Dorado Selpa
• San Diego Behavioral Mental Health
• Home Start Behavioral Health Services
• San Diego Youth Services
• Family Health Services

• Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP):Policy
• Anonymous Reporting Option: safety@sdccs.org
• Digital Citizenship Hub: Common Sense
• Restorative Practices at SDCCS: Restorative Practices
• School Safety & Climate:  Academic, Behavioral, and Social-Emotional Supports
• Training: Our staff are annually trained on bullying prevention, cyberbullying awareness, and mandated reporting every August

1. Choose a reporting method (online form, email, phone, in‑person). Anonymous reporting is available.
2. Share details (who/what/when/where, screenshots/links for online conduct). Interpreters available upon request.
3. SDCCS will acknowledge receipt, offer immediate supportive measures, and begin an impartial review/investigation.
4. Parties are informed of outcomes as permitted by law and given appeal options. SDCCS prohibits retaliation.

Emergency? Call 911. For urgent mental‑health support, see Above “Immediate Help (Crisis Support)”

This page and linked documents are available in multiple languages on request. We provide interpreter services and translated materials at no cost. For an accessible format, contact (email/phone).

• Owner: (Compliance lead)
• Editors: (Title IX Coordinator, Student Services, School Counselor)
• Review Cycle: At least annually each August (or upon policy updates/legislative changes). Archive prior versions.

v1.0 (Oct 2025): Initial publication to comply with Ed Code § 234.6.