- WCSD Insight
- Department of Civil Rights Compliance
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Welcome to the Department of Civil Rights Compliance
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Civil Rights Compliance is to ensure that students in the Washoe County School District are educated in a safe and respectful learning environment. The Department of Civil Rights Compliance accomplishes this by putting Board Policies and Administrative Regulations and Procedures in place to ensure that individual civil rights are respected and that no members of our District (students, family, employees) face barriers to providing and participating in a meaningful educational experience.Major Functions
- Act as a resource for District employees regarding the resolution of civil rights and bullying complaints
- Receive and resolve complaints filed against the District with the United States Office of Civil Rights and the Nevada State Department of Education
- Draft Board Policies and Administrative Regulations and Procedures to provide guidance on compliance with federal and state law
- Create and deliver training on civil rights and bullying compliance topics to District employees
- Receive staff on student bullying complaints for screening and possible assignment to the Office of the General Counsel Administrative Investigations Unit
- Oversee employees on student investigations by the Office of the General Counsel Administrative Investigations Unit.
Contact Us
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General Counsel of Civil Rights ComplianceTitle IX CoordinatorTitle VI Coordinator(775) 348-0300Deputy Director of Civil Rights ComplianceDeputy Title IX Coordinator(775) 348-0300ParalegalMailing Address:PO Box 30425Reno, NV 89520-3425Phone (775) 789-4639Fax (775) 333-6010
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is sex-based discrimination or harassment of a student treated differently than bullying?
Yes, in some instances it will be treated differently. Sex-based discrimination and harassment will almost always be considered a form of bullying, and if the conduct also meets the definition of sex-based discrimination or harassment under Title IX then there is a separate procedure that must be followed. If you have knowledge of sexual harassment of a student either by another student or by a staff member, you must immediately contact the Title IX Coordinator: Judy Prutzman, Esq. at TitleIX@washoeschools.net or 775-348-0300.
- When do I have to notify parents about a bullying investigation?
Notification of the parents or guardians of all pupils directly involved in the reported bullying must be provided before the administrative office closes if the conduct was reported before the end of the school hours on a school day. If the conduct was reported after the end of school hours on a school day, notification must be made before the administrative office closes on the following school day.
- How do you tell the difference between bullying and peer conflict?
In determining whether an incident is bullying or peer conflict it is helpful to focus on the second criterion, is the conduct unwelcome. If the alleged victim is initiating the conflict or participating as an equal in the conflict, the conduct is more than likely peer conflict. When bullying is involved, the alleged victim is fearful and may not want to come to school and may avoid certain areas of the school.