Nondiscrimination
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 School Board
Colorado 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
Harassment and Discrimination Training for School Employees
Colorado law requires all public school employees to receive training on discrimination and harassment as defined in C.R.S. 22-1-143. The training must be completed when an employee is hired, at least once every three years thereafter, and whenever an employee moves between a role serving elementary students and one serving secondary students (or vice versa).
Resources
- Required Prevention of Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying in Colorado Schools Training [recorded modules] (Colorado Department of Education)
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.
Sex-based Harassment Investigation Procedures
The U.S. Department of Education’s Title IX Rule establishes requirements for responding to and investigating complaints of sexual harassment. Schools must adopt a Title IX Policy that aligns with the requirements and comply with the employee trainings requirements set forth in the regulations.
See CSI’s Title IX Resource Page for more information.