Deer Park School District complies with all state and federal rules and regulations and does not discriminate with respect to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, and equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. This holds true for all district employment and opportunities.

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or questions about grievance procedures may be directed to the appropriate school district coordinator:

Title IX Coordinator, Suzanne McKibbon
Assistant Superintendent, Deer Park School District
PO Box 490, Deer Park, WA 99006
509.464.5500 || email Suzanne McKibbon

Section 504 and ADA, Suzanne McKibbon
Assistant Superintendent, Deer Park School District
PO Box 490, Deer Park, WA 99006
509.464.5500 || email Suzanne McKibbon

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Steve Hitchcock
Assistant Principal, Deer Park School District
1120 E "D" Street, Deer Park, WA 99006
509.464.5700 || email Steve Hitchcock

Equal Access Coordinator, Suzanne McKibbon
Assistant Superintendent, Deer Park School District
PO Box 490, Deer Park, WA 99006
509.464.5500 || email Suzanne McKibbon

DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT

If you believe that you or your child have experienced unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.

What is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P.

COMPLAINT OPTIONS: DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with the school district’s Section 504 Coordinator, Title IX Officer, or Civil Rights Coordinator, who are listed above. This is often the fastest way to resolve your concerns.

Complaint to the School District

Step 1. Write Out Your Complaint

In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. A complaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has taken place, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem. Send your written complaint—by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery—to the district superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator.

Step 2: School District Investigates Your Complaint

Once the district receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days—unless you agree on a different time period. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff needs a time extension and the new date for their written response.

Step 3: School District Responds to Your Complaint

In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, a

determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws, notification that you can appeal this determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be put into effect within 30 calendar days after this written response—unless you agree to a different time period.

Appeal to the School District

If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal to the school district’s board of directors. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you receive the school district’s response to your complaint. The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they receive your appeal unless you agree on a different timeline. The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district receives your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Complaint to OSPI

If you do not agree with the school district’s appeal decision, state law provides the option to file a formal complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This is a separate complaint process that can take place if one of these two conditions has occurred: (1) you have completed the district’s complaint and appeal process, or (2) the district has not followed the complaint and appeal process correctly.

You have 20 calendar days to file a complaint to OSPI from the day you receive the decision on your appeal. 

• You can send your written complaint to the Equity and Civil Rights Office at OSPI:

  • Email: Equity@k12.wa.us ǀ Fax: 360-664-2967

  • Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200

  • For more information, visit our website, or contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office at 360-725-

    6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or by e-mail at equity@k12.wa.us.

• Other Discrimination Complaint Options

  • Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education

  • 206-607-1600 ǀ TDD: 1-800-877-8339 ǀ OCR.Seattle@ed.gov ǀ OCR Website

  • Washington State Human Rights Commission

  • 1-800-233-3247 ǀ TTY: 1-800-300-7525 ǀ Human Rights Commission Website

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

● Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center

● Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us

● Phone: 360-725-6068

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

● Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights

OSPI Model Student Handbook Language | March 2024

● Email: equity@k12.wa.us

● Phone: 360-725-6162

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.

● Website: www.oeo.wa.gov

● Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov

● Phone: 1-866-297-2597

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

● Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html

● Email: orc@ed.gov

● Phone: 800-421-3481

Under Washington law, chapters 28A.640 Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and 392-190 Washington Administrative Code (WAC), sex discrimination is prohibited, including sexual harassment, in schools. Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression is also expressly prohibited in Washington K–12 schools per chapters 28A.642 RCW and 392-190 WAC, as well as OSPI’s Civil Rights. In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our schools will:

● Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change

● Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records

● Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity

● Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity

● Keep health and education information confidential and private

● Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender

● Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211P.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Suzanne McKibbon

Assistant Superintendent, Deer Park School District

PO Box 490, Deer Park, WA 99006

509.464.5500 || email Suzanne McKibbon