Equality & Civil Rights

The Office of Equality and Civil Rights works collaboratively in enforcing non-discrimination and equal treatment for all our students, employees, parents and other stakeholders.

We believe that all members of the MPS community are responsible for promoting a positive working and learning environment where all persons are free to discuss any problems or questions they may have concerning discrimination or harassment without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

Contact

Tiara Brown
Title IX Coordinator
Resolution & Compliance Specialist
tiara.brown@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-978-5091

Lulu Regules-Verduzco
Resolution & Compliance Specialist
lulu.regules@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-432-1769

The Office of Equality and Civil Rights (OECR) is tasked with investigating complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on protected class.

You may file a complaint in multiple ways:

Submit an online complaint with our NotMe App. This method can provide optional anonymity while offering a way to chat directly with the person who submitted the complaint.
Submit a written complaint to the email of our Resolution and Compliance Specialists
Phone call to our Resolution and Compliance Specialists.

File a Complaint with the Office of Equality and Civil Rights

Our Vision

We at the Office of Equality and Civil Rights envision and strive to attain a school system where equality and non-discrimination are:

Integrated into the work and lives of every student, teacher and staff member.
Recognized as core institutional values, and will inform thinking, policies, and practices throughout our schools.
Inherently intertwined with academic excellence and the development of leaders for a globally inclusive society.
Protected by our commitment to investigate allegations of illegal harassment/discrimination and retaliation involving employees, students and outside parties connected to MPS (visitors, volunteers, etc.) & complaints of bullying of students.

Know Your Rights

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Minneapolis Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of: race, color, culture, creed, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation/affectional preference, disability, age, pregnancy, marital status, family structure, economic status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance or genetic information in its employment, programs, and activities. Any questions or reports can be directed to your school principal or department supervisor. In addition, the contacts below have been designated to handle complaints and questions regarding policies of non-discrimination.

Complaints Related to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, 504/ADA & ADEA

Lee Atakpu
Office of General Counsel
612-668-0484
lee.atakpu@mpls.k12.mn.us

Students with Disabilities

Jenny Crouch, LISW
District 504 Coordinator
612-668-0792
jenny.crouch@mpls.k12.mn.us

Employees with Disabilities

Shaya Smith
612-668-0500
shaya.smith@mpls.k12.mn.us

Policy Against Harassment and Violence

Discrimination is against the law; harassment and violence will not be tolerated.

Everyone in Minneapolis Public Schools has a right to feel respected and safe. The District wants you to know about its policy to prevent harassment and violence.
A harasser may be a student or an adult. Harassment related to religion, race, color, creed, national origin, gender or gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, family care leave status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age or veteran status is not tolerated and may include:
- Name calling, jokes or rumors
- Pulling on clothes
- Graffiti
- Notes or cartoons
- Unwelcome touching of a person or clothing
- Offensive or graphic posters, book covers, etc.
- Words or actions that embarrass you, make you feel uncomfortable, or make you feel fearful.
If any words or actions make you feel uncomfortable or fearful, you can tell a teacher, counselor, your principal, assistant principal, school social worker, your supervisor, MPS’ Office of Equality & Civil Rights or you may make a written report to any one of them.
MPS takes all reports of harassment and/or violence seriously and will investigate and take appropriate actions.
Your privacy will be respected to the maximum extent possible.
MPS will take appropriate action if anyone tried to intimidate you or tried to harm you because you made a report.

This is a summary of MPS’ Board Policies 4000, 4001, 4002, 5000, 5050, and 5750 against discrimination, harassment and violence. A complete policy is available in the principal’s office, from your Department Supervisor, from MPS’ Equal Opportunity Officer, or at mps.municipalcodeonline.com. See also, Minn. Stat. §121A.003; Chapter 363A; Title IX Education Amendments of 1972.

Policy Against Bullying and Hazing

Minneapolis Public Schools strives to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for students that is free from bullying and hazing. MPS works to prevent bullying and hazing, but if you or a student you know has been bullied or hazed, MPS will investigate, respond to, remediate, and impose discipline as appropriate.

Bullying is conduct that interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or performance and is:

Harmful,
Repeated/forms a pattern, and
Real or perceived power imbalance.

Bullying can be verbal and/or physical, through words, gestures or physical presence. It can also be carried out through other students or people, gossip, stirring the pot, vandalism, and electronically. Electronic Aggression and Cyber-Bullying is bullying using technology or other electronic communication forms (cell phones, social networks, photos, video or other media.)

Hazing is committing an act or coercing an act against an individual, with or without consent, which is harmful, humiliating, or intimidating in order to gain membership in a group.

This is a summary of MPS’ Board Policy 5201 against bullying and hazing. A complete policy is available in the principal’s office, from MPS’ Office of Equality & Civil Rights or at mps.municipalcodeonline.com.

Any questions or reports can be directed to your school principal. In addition, the following people have been designated to handle complaints and answer questions:

Julie Young-Burns
Social Emotional Learning Lead
Accountability, Research and Equity
612-668-0867
julie.young-burns@mpls.k12.mn.us

Tiara Brown
Office of Equality & Civil Rights
612-978-5091
tiara.brown@mpls.k12.mn.us

Discipline

It is the responsibility of Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) to assure a safe and welcoming learning and working climate for all students and staff. We believe that all students, families, staff and community members share rights and responsibilities to ensure that all members of our school communities are safe, able to learn, have opportunities to contribute and are treated with respect, dignity and kindness. The full Behavior Standards Policy can be found in the MPS Board Policy 5200: mps.municipalcodeonline.com. MPS is committed to making certain Policy 5200 is applied in a fair and consistent manner.

Discipline or behavior questions or complaints can be directed to Student Support Services by emailing mps.helpme@mpls.k12.mn.us.

Policies & Federal Laws

MPS Policies

The Office of Equality and Civil Rights is guided by and ensures the implementation of the following MPS policies:

4000 - Equal Employment Opportunity

4000A - Complaint and Fact Finding Procedures

4000B - Equal Employment Opportunity Definitions

4000C - Preferred Name

4001 - Disability Non-Discrimination

4001A - Disability Non-Discrimination Procedures

4001B - Disability Non-Discrimination Definitions

4002 - Harassment and Violence Prohibition

4002A - Harassment and Violence Prohibition Reporting and Fact Finding Procedures

4002B - Harassment and Violence Prohibition Definitions

4002C - Harassment and Violence Prohibition Training and Notice

5000 - Equal Education Opportunity

5050 - Title IX Non-Discrimination Policy

5050A - Title IX Grievance Procedures

5051 - Equal Opportunity in Athletics

5750 - Disability Non-Discrimination Section 504

Title IX

Title IX Policy

Sexual harassment is illegal and runs counter to the mission and objectives of Minneapolis Public Schools. Any such action violates the dignity of the individual, as well as the integrity of our learning institutions.

A Title IX violation can be committed by anyone. Moreover, Title IX protects people of all sexes, genders, gender expressions, and sexual orientations.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law prohibiting sexual harassment in educational settings. It states:

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

-Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106

Minneapolis Public Schools is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and security of every member of our community. Sexual harassment of any kind is antithetical to this commitment. MPS forbids any form of sexual harassment

TITLE IX TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

20 USC. §§1681-1688 (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972) and 34 C.F.R. Part 106, implementing regulations (collectively “Title IX”) require recipients to publish all materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, Investigators, Decision-Makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process. This training must be made publicly available for inspection.

The following link(s) provide access to training in compliance with and pursuant to this requirement.

Athletics

Prior to the enactment of Title IX, the primary physical activities for girls were cheerleading and dancing. In fact, only 1 girl out of 27 played a high school sport. Since Title IX became law, the tide has changed drastically. Female athletes now have more opportunities to compete at high levels then ever before.

Title IX requires that males and females be provided equitable opportunities to participate in sports. Title IX does not require an institution to offer the same sports for males and females, but rather, requires an institution to provide an equal opportunity to play. With this in mind, Title IX does not require an institution to spend equally on male and female athletics. This is due in large part to the fact that legitimate and justifiable discrepancies for nongender related differences in athletics can be taken into account. For example, a male's football helmet is typically much more expensive than a female soccer player's shin guards. Title IX does, however, require the quality of the equipment to be equitable. On the other hand, for example, female hockey players as well as male hockey players must receive monetarily equitable equipment, so long as the equipment required is the same. Title IX also requires equal treatment in the disbursement of travel allowances, practice time, coaching, facilities, and more.

Female participation in athletics promotes enhanced mental and physical health. Female athletes are less likely to smoke, drink, use drugs, and experience unwanted pregnancies. Research also shows female sport participation decreases the likelihood of developing breast cancer and osteoporosis later in life. Title IX has dramatically increased female athletic participation, and therefore, it is crucial the law stays formidable.

Although the general public most often associates Title IX with athletics, due in large part to discussions in the media, the law applies to every aspect of education. This includes, but is not limited to, course offerings, counseling availability, financial assistance, and physical education.

5051 - Equal Opportunity In Athletics
Student Eligibility ByLaws - Minnesota State High School League Handbook (Note: See section 200.09 for the Minnesota State High School League's harassment policies).
National Coalition for Women and Girls In Education - The HIgh School Athletics Transparency Bills of 2011
NCAA - Title IX FAQs
Title IX Information - Athletics Under Title IX

MPS Policies & Federal Law

For more information on Federal law and the policies of Minneapolis Public Schools, please refer to the following links:

Sexual Harassment Reporting

As the District’s Title IX office, the Office of Equality and Civil Rights responds to sexual harassment (sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation) reports. District employees are required to report possible sexual harassment that they learn about to the Office of Equality and Civil Rights. Any individual may also make a report of instances of sexual harassment. To make a report, please see complete this form or contact the Director of the Office of Equality and Civil Rights, Francisco Gonzalez, who is also the District’s Title IX Coordinator

Francisco Gonzalez
Director of the Office of Equality and Civil Rights,
francisco.gonzalez@mpls.k12.mn.us
952-219-1774

Resources

American Association of University Women

Title IX - Equity In Education
Aritcle - Title IX Is About STEM Too
Know Your Rights: Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Under Title IX
Article - Title IX Coordinators Have Historic New Resources from Department of Education
Day One Crisis Hotline (Confidential Resource)
Phone: 866-223-1111
Text: 612-399-9995

Crisis Support, Information on Shelters, Safety Planning, and Orders for Protection

RAINN (Rape, Assault, and Incest National Network)
Available anywhere in the United States
24-hour hotline; free and confidential
Online chat available on RAINN’s website
800-656-4673

The Bridge for Youth
Minneapolis, Minnesota
24-hour crisis hotline; free and confidential
Phone: 612-377-8800
Text: 612-400-SAFE

Cornerstone
Bloomington, Minnesota
Free crisis counseling for domestic violence, sexual violence or trafficking.
612-825-4357

Sexual Violence Center- SVC
Minneapolis, Minnesota
24-hour hotline; free and confidential
612-871-5111 - all languages

Tubman
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Crisis line for domestic violence, also addresses sexual exploitation.
612-825-0000

U of M Community University Health Care Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Free, confidential sexual assault advocacy.
(612) 301-3433

Asian Women United of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
24-hour multilingual crisis line
612-724-8823

Casa de Esperanza
24-Hour Bilingual (English and Spanish) helpline
651-772-1611

CLUES
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sexual assault prevention support groups, support and advocacy, support groups for adults victims and children witnesses of domestic violence (English and Spanish)
612746-3536

Hmong American Partnership
651-495-9160 - Domestic violence support: English and Hmong
651-266-4008 - Emergency counseling: English and Hmong

The Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project at the Brian Coyle Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
612-875-9307
24-hour Crisis Line
612-348-5073 or 612-348-6396 for Somali Advocate

Midwest Indian Women’s Resource Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sexual assault advocate services, counseling and forensic examination support.
612-728-2000

Minneapolis American Indian Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Support for female American Indian/Native American survivors of sexual assault.
612-879-1784

OutFront Minnesota
24-hour anti-violence crisis support line for LGBTQ victims
1-800-800-0350, option 3

Women of Nations
24-hour hotline; free and confidential
651-222-5836

Minnesota Crime Victims Bill of Rights
Under Minnesota law, crime victims, including victims of dating and domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault, have a number of rights, including the right to assistance from the Crime Victims Reparation Board and the commissioner of public safety. The Crime Victims Bill of Rights is available online. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety provides an on-line list of Minnesota Resources for Crime Victims.

Domestic Abuse Service Center (for victims of domestic violence and dating violence)

Hennepin County Government Center
Rm. #A-0650 (lower level)
300 S. 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-5073

Minnesota Office of Justice, Crime Victims Programs
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
651-201-7300 or 888-622-8799, ext. 1 for financial help
800-247-0390, ext. 3 for information and referral
651-205-4827 TTY

Hennepin County Victim Services
Hennepin County Attorney’s Office
612-348-4003

Law Help MN
Legal information on a variety of sexual assault issues

Volunteer Lawyers Network
612-752-6677

Minnesota State Bar Association Find a Lawyer Directory

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100
Customer Service Hotline: 800-421-3481

Federal & State Laws

The Office of Equality and Civil Rights is guided by and ensures the implementation of the following laws:

Federal

May 6, 2020, Dept. of Education Title IX Regulations

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/05/19/2020-10512/nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-sex-in-education-programs-or-activities-receiving-federal

On May 6, 2020, the Federal Department of Education announced new Title IX regulations. These new regulations set requirements for how the District and other educational institutions must respond to concerns of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and relationship violence (collectively, “Title IX sexual harassment”).

For general Equal Employment Opportunity information, please visit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website. https://www.eeoc.gov/

Executive Order 11246, as amended, prohibits job discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, and requires affirmative action to ensure equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/history/35th/thelaw/eo-11246.html

Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, prohibits job discrimination because of handicap and requires affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with handicaps who, with reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of a job. https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/sec503.htm

38 U.S.C. 4212 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended, prohibits job discrimination and requires affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified Vietnam era veterans and qualified special disabled veterans. https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/statutes/4212.htm

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibits discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, and other aspects of employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/titlevii.cfm

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, protects qualified applicants and employees with disabilities from discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, job training, fringe benefits, classification, referral, and other aspects of employment on the basis of disability. https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/ada.cfm

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, protects applicants and employees 40 years of age or older from discrimination on the basis of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment. https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/adea.cfm

The Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended, prohibits sex discrimination in payment of wages to women and men performing substantially equal work in the same establishment. https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/epa.cfm

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities which receive Federal assistance. https://www.justice.gov/crt/overview-title-ix-education-amendments-1972-20-usc-1681-et-seq

Minnesota

Minnesota Human Rights Act is a state law prohibiting discrimination in Minnesota. Every person in Minnesota is protected by the Human Rights Act as every person, based on their personal characteristics such as a person’s race or sex, belongs to one or more of the Protected Classes: Race, Color, Creed, Religion, National Origin, Sex, Marital Status, Familial Status, Disability, Public Assistance Status, Age, Sexual Orientation, and Local Human Rights Commission Activity. https://mn.gov/mdhr/yourrights

School Student Bullying Policy is a state law that prohibits bullying by a student against another student enrolled in a public school. https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=121A.031

Non Discrimination Statement

Minneapolis Public Schools does not discriminate in its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. The requirement of non-discrimination in educational programs and activities extends to employment and admission. The Office of Equality and Civil Rights has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, including Title IX. Inquiries may also be directed externally to the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Select a School

Early Childhood

Elementary

Middle Schools

High Schools

Alternative Schools

Popular Pages