File: JB - Equal Educational Opportunities

Every student of this school district will have equal educational opportunities through programs offered in the school district regardless of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services.

This concept of equal educational opportunity will guide the Board and staff in making decisions related to school district facilities, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students. Students with identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities will be provided with a free appropriate public education, consistent with the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations.

In order to ensure that district programs are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Board directs the superintendent or designee(s) to periodically monitor the following areas:

1.  Curriculum and materials - review curriculum guides, textbooks, and supplemental materials for discriminatory bias.

2.  Training - provide training for students and staff to identify and alleviate problems of discrimination.

3.  Student access - review programs, activities, and practices to ensure that all students have equal access and are not segregated except when permissible by law or regulation.

4.  District support - ensure that district resources are equitably distributed among school programs including but not limited to staffing and compensation, facilities, equipment, and related matters.

5.  Student evaluation instruments - review tests, procedures, and guidance and counseling materials for stereotyping and discrimination.

6.  Discipline - review discipline records and any relevant data to ensure the equitable implementation and application of Board discipline policies.

Adopted:  February 11, 2003

Reviewed, Revised and Approved:  March 04, 2008/ January 13, 2009/ June 12, 2012/ September 11, 2012/ December 13, 2016/ August 11, 2020/ February 8, 2022/ October 8, 2024

LEGAL REFS.:  20 U.S.C. §1681 (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972)

20 U.S.C. §1701-1758 (Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974)

29 U.S.C. §701 et seq. (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)

C.R.S. 2-4-401 (3.4) (definition of gender expression)

C.R.S. 2-4-401 (3.5) (definition of gender identity)

C.R.S. 2-4-401 (13.5) (definition of sexual orientation)

C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1)(ll) (Board duty to adopt written policies prohibiting discrimination)

C.R.S. 22-32-109.1 (2) (safe school plan to be revised as necessary in response to relevant data collected by the school district)

C.R.S. 22-32-110 (1)(k) (definition of racial or ethnic background includes hair texture, definition of protective hairstyle)

C.R.S. 24-34-601 (unlawful discrimination in places of public accommodation)

C.R.S. 24-34-602 (penalty and civil liability for unlawful discrimination)

CROSS REFS.:   AC, Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity

JBB*, Sexual Harassment