Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

Code: AC

Maine School Administrative District No. 31

NONDISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

The MSAD 31 Board is committed to maintaining a workplace and learning environment that is free from illegal discrimination and harassment.

In accordance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, MSAD 31 prohibits discrimination against and harassment of school employees, candidates for employment, students and others with rights to admission or access to school programs, activities or premises on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, pregnancy, disability or other status protected under state and federal laws.

As defined in Maine law and for the purpose of this policy, “sexual orientation” means a person’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality, or gender identity or expression. “Gender identity” means gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, regardless of the individual’s assigned sex at birth.

The Board delegates to the Superintendent the responsibility for implementing this policy and a continuing program designed to prevent discrimination against all applicants, employees, students and individuals with disabilities having access rights to school premises and activities. MSAD 31’s Affirmative Action Plan will include designation of an Affirmative Action Officer who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal and state requirements relating to nondiscrimination. The Affirmative Action Officer will be a person with direct access to the Superintendent.

Legal Reference: Equal Employment Opportunities Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-261) amending Title

VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000(e) et seq.)

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.)

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352)

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.)

Equal Pay Act of 1963 (29 U.S.C. § 206)

Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.)

Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.)

Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA)

(42 U.S.C. § 2000ff et seq.)

5 MRSA § 4551, et seq. (Maine Human Rights Act); 19301-19302

Cross Reference: MSAD 31 Affirmative Action Plan

ACAA - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students

ACAB - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of School Employees

JICK - Bullying

First Reading: 10/16/2019

Adopted: 11/20/2019