Grievance Procedure
Any person who believes that Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy (CCPCS) has discriminated on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, or political affiliation may submit a complaint as outlined below. The following grievance procedure should be employed to ensure that complaints receive full, equitable and prompt consideration.
1. What May Be Grieved
The CCPCS grievance process should be used to resolve complaints of discrimination and harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, or political affiliation.
The CCPCS grievance process should be used to resolve complaints of discrimination and harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, or political affiliation.
Complaints of bullying will be addressed through CCPCS’ Bullying Prevention Policy which can be found on our Public Information page of the website. A copy of the policy can also be requested through CCPCS’ Bullying Prevention Coordinator: Timothy Phillips – [email protected]
Complaints of sex-based harassment will be addressed through PCS’ Sex-Based Harassment Policy which can be found on our Public Information page of the website.. A copy of the policy can also be requested through PCS’ Title IX Coordinator: Robert Graham – [email protected]
2. Who May Grieve
The procedures set forth below may be used by individuals who are employees, students, parents, or visitors.
3. Other Remedies
The existence of this procedure does not bar individuals from filing claims in other forums to the extent permitted by state or federal law.
4. Informal Grievance
Because most difficulties can be resolved by communicating a concern to someone, individuals are encouraged, but not required, to discuss their concern or complaint promptly and candidly with appropriate school officials.
The individual is not required to discuss his or her complaint with the alleged harasser or perpetrator in any manner or for any reason prior to initiating a formal grievance.
5. Formal Grievance
Within ninety (90) days of encountering the harassment, discrimination, or concern that is the subject of the complaint, a complainant may file a written notice with: Joshua J. Jackson – [email protected]
If the complaint is being made against the designated individual above, the complaint can be submitted directly to the Executive Director, Sanjay Mitchell at [email protected] who will designate an appropriate individual to investigate the complaint.
The written notice shall identify the nature of the complaint, the date(s) of occurrence, and the desired result, and shall be signed and dated by the person filing the complaint.
The written notice shall identify the nature of the complaint, the date(s) of occurrence, and the desired result, and shall be signed and dated by the person filing the complaint.
Upon receipt of the written complaint, PCS will immediately initiate an adequate, reliable impartial investigation. Each formal complaint will be investigated, and depending on the facts involved in each situation, will be decided after receiving information from the appropriate individuals. Each investigation will include interviewing witnesses, obtaining documents, and allowing parties to present evidence.
All documentation related to the investigation and discussions held in this process are considered EXTREMELY CONFIDENTIAL and are not to be revealed to or discussed by any participant with persons not directly involved with the complaint, with its investigation, or with the decision making process. This provision does not include discussions with governmental authorities.
Within thirty (30) days of receiving the written complaint, PCS will issue a written determination summarizing the course of the investigation, assessing whether the evidence substantiates the complaint made, and identifying the appropriate resolution as necessary. This timeline may be extended for good cause with written notice of any extension being provided to the complainant.
If, as a result of the investigation, it is determined that discrimination or harassment occurred,
appropriate corrective and remedial action will be taken.
6. Appeals
If the complainant is not satisfied with PCS’ decision, the complainant may appeal in writing to the [Title and Contact Info for individual who will receive appeals] within ten (10) business days of the date of the written decision summarizing the outcome of the investigation. The written appeal must contain all documentation from the initial complaint and the complaint’s reasons for appeal.
Within twenty-one (21) business days from receiving the written appeal, PCS will respond in writing to the complainant as to the result of that appeal and the reasons thereof.
7. Prohibition Against Retaliation
PCS pledges that it will not retaliate against any person who files a complaint in accordance with this policy, or any person who participates in proceedings related to this policy.
In addition, PCS will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person who makes a good faith report or complaint about perceived acts of harassment, discrimination, or concern, or who cooperates in an investigation of harassment, discrimination, or a concern. Any person who is found to be engaging in any kind of retaliation will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Complainants also have the right to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights by: (1) mailing the complaint to Director, District of Columbia Office, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1475; (2) faxing it to (202) 453-6021; or (3) filing it electronically at: www.ed.gov/ocr/complaintprocess.html. For more information, you can contact OCR at (202) 453-6020 (voice), (877) 521-2172 (TDD), or [email protected].