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Title IX and Civil Rights

Rights under Title IX

Title IX is a federal law passed in 1972 to ensure that all students in educational settings are treated equally and fairly.  It protects against discrimination based on sex in programs and activities, including athletic programs. Key areas addressed by Title IX include: discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), exclusion, denial, limitation or separation based on sex.  In addition to this federal law, the California Education code and Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex.  Please refer to Board Policies 5145.3 ,5145.7 and Administrative Regulations 5145.3 and 5145.7 for more information on the District’s anti-discrimination policies.  Title IX requires MDUSD to take appropriate action to investigate when it knows or reasonably should know of a possible Title IX violation.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, including public schools.

In education, this means:

  • Students cannot be denied access to programs, activities, or services based on their race or ethnicity.

  • Schools must take steps to ensure students who are English learners can meaningfully participate in all educational programs.

  • Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, color, or national origin is prohibited.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), or national origin.

In schools and educational settings, this means:

  • Staff and job applicants are protected from discrimination in hiring, promotion, pay, work conditions, and termination.

  • Harassment or retaliation based on any of the protected categories is prohibited.

  • Employers must reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs and practices, unless doing so would cause undue hardship.

Our Commitment

Our district is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all students and families. We actively work to identify and eliminate barriers that may prevent full participation or equal opportunity in school programs and services.