Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Policy
CSI schools are subject all federal and state laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. CSI schools must adopt a Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Policy prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a protected class. Additionally, state law provides that harassment or discrimination includes the knowing or intentional use of a name other than a student’s chosen name, as defined in C.R.S. 22-1-145(1). Schools must implement a written policy outlining how the local education provider will honor a student’s request to use a chosen name and may include a process for including a student’s chosen name on school records.
CSI Resources
Contact
Stephanie Aragon
CSI Director of School Policy & Compliance
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Federal and state law require schools prominently publish a Notice of Nondiscrimination on the school website, in Parent/Student and Employee Handbooks, and in materials used in connection with student or employee recruitment. The notice should be posted in multiple places in every school.
CSI Resources
Nondiscrimination Training for Board and Staff
State law requires charter schools provide evidence of annual training on nondiscrimination laws to employees and board members, and otherwise ensure that the board and leadership stay current on all relevant provisions.
Resources
Equitable Admissions and Enrollment Practices
Federal and state law require schools conduct admissions and enrollment in an equitable manner. CSI schools must adopt legally compliant policies and procedures, and ensure admissions staff receive appropriate training. For more information and resources, see CSI’s Admissions and Enrollment Resource Page.
Harassment and Discrimination Investigation Procedures for Students
State law requires schools adopt a policy setting forth procedures for responding to and investigating complaints of harassment and discrimination against students. This policy must be separate from, and in addition to, the school’s Sex-based Harassment Investigation Procedures (below). Schools should post the policy on the homepage of their website, annually distribute the policy to parents/guardians of sixth through twelfth grade students, provide a physical copy of the policy to each incoming students and annually distribute the policy to employees. Schools must also comply with the employee training requirements set forth in C.R.S. 22-1-143(4) and annually report information regarding reports of harassment and discrimination in alignment with C.R.S. 22-1-143(5).
Resources
- Sample Harassment and Discrimination Investigation Procedures for Students [docx]
- Prevent Harassment or Discrimination in Schools (Colorado Department of Education)
Sex-based Harassment Investigation Procedures
The U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 Final Title IX Rule establishes new requirements for responding to and investigating complaints of sex-based discrimination. Schools must adopt a Title IX Policy that aligns with the new requirements and comply with the employee trainings requirements set forth in the regulations.
See CSI’s Title IX Resource Page for more information.