Title IX

Title IX and Non-Discrimination Notice

Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA) is committed to providing an environment free from all forms of sex discrimination, which includes gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence as regulated by Title VII and Title IX, and to ensuring the accessibility of appropriate grievance procedures to address all complaints regarding all forms of sex discrimination and sexual harassment. VAVA reserves the authority to independently deal with sex discrimination and sexual harassment whenever becoming aware of their existence, regardless of whether a complaint has been lodged in accordance with the grievance procedure set forth below.

Information and Assistance

Definition of sex discrimination and sexual harassment (for students):

  • Sex discrimination occurs when a person, because of his or her sex, is denied participation in or the benefits of any education program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.
  • Sexual harassment is conduct that: 1) is sexual in nature; 2) is unwelcome; and 3) denies or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school’s educational program or activity. Sexual harassment can be verbal, nonverbal, or physical.

Definition of sex discrimination and sexual harassment (for employees):

  • Sex discrimination occurs when a person who is qualified for a position at issue is subjected to an adverse employment action because of his or her sex.
  • Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: 1) submission to such conduct is made a term or condition of employment; 2) submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting the individual; or 3) the conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the employee’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

Any individual, who believes they may have experienced any form of sex discrimination or sexual harassment, or who believes that they have observed such actions taking place, may receive information and assistance regarding VAVA’s policies and reporting procedures from any of the following:

Title IX Coordinator
Katy Luke
2300 Corporate Park Drive
Herndon, VA 20171
kaluke@k12.com
804.347.9627

VAVA Staff Title IX Training

  • All VAVA staff are trained on Title IX in the areas of sexual harassment (staff and student), regulatory and sub-regulatory guidance, relevant terminology, school policy, and federal guidelines.

VAVA Title IX Coordinator Training

  • VAVA’s Title IX coordinator will be trained in policy, grievance procedures, investigation, and pending Virginia Department of Education training availability

VAVA Title IX Training Document

Title IX Grievance Procedures

Any student, parent/guardian, current or prospective employee, or other individual within the school community who believes they have experienced and/or observed and/or is aware of sex discrimination or sexual harassment (“grievant”) should promptly report the matter to VAVA’s Title IX Coordinator, a school counselor, principal, or other school administrator. Complaints of alleged sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, brought forth by students, parents/guardians, current or prospective employees, and other members of the school community will be promptly investigated in an impartial and in as confidential a manner as reasonably possible, so that corrective action can be taken if necessary.

The grievance procedures will be as follows:

1. It is the express policy of VAVA to encourage the prompt reporting of claims of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment. Once VAVA has “actual knowledge” of sexual harassment, or allegations of sexual harassment, VAVA will respond within 24 hours. “Actual knowledge” means notice or allegations received by the Title IX coordinator, school official with authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of the school, or any school employee. VAVA must treat a person as a complainant any time the school has notice that the person is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment (regardless of whether the person themselves or a third party reported the sexual harassment), and irrespective of whether the complainant ever chooses to file a formal complaint. Further, it should be noted, there is no time limit or statute of limitations on a complainant’s decision to file a formal complaint.

2. At the time the complaint is filed, the grievant shall promptly be given a copy of these grievance procedures and a description of the supportive measures offered by the school. A formal complaint form for such purpose can be found below and will also be provided to the grievant upon notification of such complaint. It is the responsibility of the Title IX coordinator or designee to explain these procedures and measures and answer any questions. As it pertains to students, in appropriate circumstances, due to the age of the student making the complaint, a parent/guardian or school administrator may be permitted to fill out the form on the student’s behalf. In addition, if the grievant is a minor student, the Title IX coordinator should consider whether a child abuse report should be completed in accordance with VAVA policy on the Reports of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect of Children.

3. The Title IX coordinator or designee shall investigate the complaint as promptly as practicable but in no case more than ten (10) working days from the date the complaint was received. The Title IX coordinator or designee shall have the complete cooperation of all persons during the investigation.

4. The Title IX coordinator will provide written notice to the parties identified in the complaint. The written notice will include, the allegations and facts that may constitute sexual harassment, the presumption that the accused did not engage in prohibited conduct, notice that parties are entitled to an advisor of their choice, notice that parties can request to inspect and review certain evidence, a copy of the code of conduct, false statements (if any), the opportunity to engage in informal resolution, the right to appeal, the range of possible remedies and disciplinary sanctions following determination of responsibility, and which standard of evidence will be used to reach a determination.

5. The Title IX coordinator or designee shall meet with all individuals reasonably believed to have relevant information, including the grievant and the individual(s) against whom the complaint was lodged, and any witnesses to the conduct. The investigation shall be carried out by VAVA discreetly, maintaining confidentiality insofar as reasonably possible while conducting an effective investigation. The investigator will objectively evaluate all relevant evidence regardless of who it favors or disfavors. Where facts are in conflict, credibility determinations can be made. However, credibility determinations will not be based on a person’s status as a complainant, respondent, or witness. Following the evaluation, the investigator will prepare an investigative report and will share the report with all parties before a determination regarding responsibility is reached.

6. Prior to sharing the investigation report, the Title IX coordinator must provide all parties a copy of the evidence used to form the basis of the report and allow all parties 10 days to submit a written response. All written responses received will be objectively reviewed and considered by VAVA’s investigator before issuing the report. Further, the Title IX coordinator must afford each party the opportunity to submit written, relevant questions a party wants to ask of any party or witness, provide each party with the answers, and allow for additional, limited follow-up questions from each party.

7. Finally, the school’s identified decision-maker, not the Title IX coordinator or investigator, will make a determination and provide written determination of responsibility to both parties simultaneously. The written determination will include:

  • Identification of the allegations potentially constituting sexual harassment as defined in §106.30; 2027
  • A description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the formal complaint through the determination, including any notifications to the parties, interviews with parties and witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather other evidence, and hearings held;
  • Findings of facts supporting the determination;
  • Conclusions regarding the application of the recipient’s code of conduct to the facts;
  • A statement of, and rationale for, the result as to each allegation, including a determination regarding responsibility, any disciplinary sanctions the recipient imposes on the respondent, and whether remedies designed to restore or preserve equal access to the recipient’s education program or activity will be provided by the recipient to the complainant; and
  • The recipient’s procedures and permissible bases for the complainant and respondent to appeal.

8. If after an investigation, the decision-maker determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that sex discrimination or sexual harassment in violation of VAVA’s policy has occurred, VAVA shall take appropriate corrective action in an effort to ensure that the conduct ceases and will not recur. The Title IX coordinator or designee shall also provide and or arrange for support services that are individualized, non-disciplinary, non-punitive, protect the safety of all parties and educational environment, deter harassment, and are not unreasonably burdensome. Such support services may include, no contact orders, academic accommodations, health and mental health services, disability services, confidential counseling, or training where appropriate.

Determination

VAVA will consistently apply the same “standard of evidence” in all formal complaints in determining responsibility. Per Title IX regulations, there are two “standard of evidence” options:

  • Preponderance of evidence–A majority of the evidence proves a fact. Mathematically, it would be more than 50% of the evidence.
  • Clear and convincing evidence–A heightened standard which requires more than a preponderance of evidence to prove a fact. One definition of clear and convincing evidence is something that is highly and substantially more probable than not.

VAVA will apply the preceding “standard of evidence” – preponderance of evidence. The same standard of evidence for formal complaints will be applied for formal complaints against all parties, including but not limited to students, employees, and teachers.

Disciplinary Sanctions and Remedies

A range of different disciplinary sanctions or remedies may be implemented by VAVA following a determination of responsibility. Due to the unique nature of the situation and individual needs, the following is a non-exhaustive list of possible actions:

  • Support services may be warranted and may include, no contact orders, academic accommodations, health and mental health services, disability services, confidential counseling, or training where appropriate
  • Verbal or written warning
  • Altered schedules to eliminate interaction opportunities
  • Exclusions from certain school activities
  • Supension or expulsion
  • Access to recorded class sessions in lieu of live participation

Appeal Process

Under § 106.45(b)(1)(viii), all parties have the right to appeal for specified reasons. Appeals must be submitted within 30 school days following the initial determination. This equal right amongst the accuser and accuse will promote a fair process that will benefit everyone and ensure parity between the parties. Thus, when a complainant or a respondent disagrees with a decision of responsibility, they have the right to appeal on the basis of the following conditions:

(1) procedural irregularity that affected the outcome;

(2) new evidence that was not reasonably available when the determination of responsibility was made that could affect the outcome; or

(3) the Title IX coordinator, investigator, or decision-maker had a conflict of interest or bias that affected the outcome.

Upon receipt of a written appeal request with evidence of one or more of the above conditions, the Title IX coordinator will:

  • notify the parties in writing and implement appeal procedures equally,
  • provide both parties the equal opportunity to submit a written statement of support or disagreement to the appeal,
  • identify a new and impartial decision-maker to review the original and newly submitted evidence, and after reviewing the new written statements,
  • the new decision-maker will issue a decision to the parties simultaneously within 20 school days.

The determination regarding responsibility becomes final either on the date that the investigator provides the parties with the written determination of the result of the appeal, if an appeal is filed, or if an appeal is not filed, the date on which an appeal would no longer be considered timely.

Where deadlines are set forth in the grievance process, a temporary delay of the grievance process or the limited extension of time frames for good cause are permitted with written notice by the Title IX coordinator to the complainant and the respondent of the delay or extension and the reasons for the action. Good cause may include but are not limited to, considerations such as the absence of a party or a witness; concurrent law enforcement activity; or the need for language assistance or accommodation of disabilities.

Record Retention

The Title IX coordinator shall make all records of Title IX complaints and their disposition for a period of seven years.

Retaliation

Retaliation against an individual for filing a complaint or cooperating in an investigation is strictly prohibited, and VAVA will take actions necessary to prevent such retaliation.

Dissemination of Information

VAVA shall notify applicants for admission and employment, students, parents/guardians of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or other professional organizations with a collective bargaining agreement with the institution that it does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities which it operates, and that it is required by Title IX and its administrative regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. The notification shall be made in the form and manner required by law or regulation.

Public Notification of the Rights of Homeless Students

Registration of Homeless Students

VAVA is committed to educating homeless students and youths and will serve each homeless student according to the student’s best interest. Homeless students and youths shall not be stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless.

VAVA shall comply with the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, with respect to the enrollment of homeless students and youths. The division superintendent shall promulgate regulations and/or procedures consistent with the requirements of the Act and the provisions of this policy.

McKinney Vento and Foster Care Point of Contact
Katy Luke
kaluke@k12.com
804.347.9627

Equal Educational Opportunities

VAVA’s educational programs and services shall be designed to meet the varying needs of all students and shall not discriminate against any individual for reasons of race, religion, color, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or on any other basis prohibited by law. VAVA also supports equal educational opportunities and treatment of all students regardless of gender expression. Further, no student, on the basis of gender, shall be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, or advantage or be denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities. VAVA encourages school employees, patrons, and students to promptly report all incidents of alleged discriminatory conduct.

504 Coordinator and Overview

VAVA follows the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance regarding 504 service plans. A 504 plan provides services and accommodations to the learning environment for students with special needs. If you have questions regarding a possible or current 504 plan, please contact:

Section 504 Coordinator
Beth Yopp, 504 Coordinator
specialprograms@vavirtual.org
703.596.5588