Title VI & Anti-Harassment: Safe Schools for Every Student

The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and hate-motivated behavior. SVUSD strictly prohibits behavior motivated by a person’s hostility towards another person’s real or perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, immigrant status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, disability, or any other immutable physical or cultural characteristic.

📑  On December 13, 2024, the SVUSD Board of Trustees reaffirmed this commitment by updating Policy 5145.9 Hate-Motivated Behavior and adopting Regulation 5145.9 Hate-Motivated Behavior

The Governing Board is dedicated to ensuring compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin in any program receiving federal funds.

Under Title VI, our schools are required to:

• Protect students from racial harassment and intimidation.
• Take immediate action to repair harm when harassment occurs.
• Address any form of racial discrimination, including disparate suspension rates, unfair discipline practices, unequal access to courses, or any action that impairs a student’s education.

Every student has the right to be secure and feel safe at school. If you or someone you know has experienced, witnessed, or received notice of hate-motivated behavior or slurs, please report it immediately:

Option 1: Report to School Staff or Administration

Reports can be made verbally or in writing to any teacher, counselor, principal, or staff member. All district staff are trained to intervene immediately and notify site administrators to begin an investigation.

Option 2: Submit an Anonymous Report

Students and families can make a report anonymously using the district’s reporting system:
👉 Click Here to Submit an Anonymous Report 

Option 3: Contact the District Compliance Officer

For unresolved site issues or to file a formal complaint under the Uniform Complaint Procedures (AR 1312.3), contact:

Director of Human Resources / District Compliance Officer
SVUSD District Office
Phone: (707) 935-6008
 Email: directorhr@sonomaschools.org

• Mandatory Staff Intervention:
  • Staff members are expected to intervene personally and immediately when witnessing hate-motivated behavior or language.

• Equitable Investigations:
  • Site administrators promptly investigate all reports in coordination with the District Compliance Officer.

• Student Support & Restorative Response:
  • The district provides counseling, social-emotional learning support, and guidance to victims and impacted students.

• Accountability:
  • Students who engage in hate-motivated acts receive mandatory counseling regarding the history and social impact of hate speech, along with progressive discipline up to suspension or expulsion as allowed by law.