Notice of Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment

I. Our Commitment

The Lemont-Bromberek Community District 113A is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all students, employees, and community members. We believe that acts of discrimination, harassment, bullying, or intimidation have no place in an academic environment and will not be tolerated.

II. Statement of Non-Discrimination

In accordance with federal and state law, District 113A does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, ancestry, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities.

This policy of non-discrimination applies to all areas of the District, including:

• Admissions and student access to courses and programs.
• Employment and personnel practices.
• Educational services and extracurricular activities.
• The use of school facilities.

Legal Citation (Federal): Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Legal Citation (State): Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/); Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-20.69 and 105 ILCS 5/22-95).

Board Policy Citation: Link needed

III. Prohibiting Sexual Harassment

Consistent with the Racism-Free Schools Law and Public Act 103-0472, the District maintains an age-appropriate policy prohibiting sexual harassment. Sexual harassment of students or staff by any District employee, student, or third party is strictly prohibited.

• Definition: Conduct is considered harassment when it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment or substantially interferes with a student's educational performance.
• Disciplinary Action: Any District employee found to have engaged in sexual harassment, as defined by the Illinois Human Rights Act, shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

IV. Equal Access for Youth Groups

The District provides equal access to school facilities for the Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) and other designated youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act.

How to Report a Concern

The District has designated the following individuals to coordinate compliance and handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination and harassment policies. You do not need to follow a specific "formal" format to initiate an investigation; any report of harassment or discrimination will be taken seriously.

Title IX & Section 504 Coordinator(s)

Filing a Complaint

• Internal: Contact the coordinators listed above to initiate the District’s grievance procedure.
• External (State): Complaints may be filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) within 300 days (for employment) or 2 years (for education) of the alleged incident.
• External (Federal): Complaints may be filed with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at ocr@ed.gov or via their online complaint form.

V. Retaliation Prohibited

The District strictly prohibits retaliation against any person who files a complaint, testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or proceeding. Any act of retaliation should be reported immediately to the Compliance Coordinators.