OOLOGAH-TALALA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PROHIBITION OF RACE AND SEX DISCRIMINATION IN CURRICULUM AND COMPLAINT PROCESS

The board of education hereby directs that neither the district, nor any employee of the district shall teach or include in a course for students or employees the following discriminatory principles:

(1) One race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex,

(2) An individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously,

(3) An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her race or sex,

(4) Members of one race or sex cannot and should not attempt to treat others without respect to race or sex,

(5) An individual’s moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or sex,

(6) An individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex,

(7) Any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex, or

(8) Meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist or were created by members of a particular race to oppress members of another race.

A “course” shall include any forum where instruction or activities tied to the instruction are provided, including training, seminars, professional development, lectures, sessions, coaching, tutoring, or any other class.

Any individual may file a complaint alleging that a violation has occurred of enumerated items 1-8 above. In order for a complaint to be accepted for investigation, it must:

(A) Be submitted in writing, signed and dated by the complainant, including complaints submitted through electronic mail that include electronic signatures;

(B) Identify the dates the alleged discriminatory act occurred;

(C) Explain the alleged violation and/or discriminatory conduct and how enumerated items 1-8 above have been violated;

(D) Include relevant information that would enable a public school to investigate the alleged violation; and

(E) Identify witnesses the school may interview. The school will not dismiss a complaint for failure to identify witnesses.

The district hereby designates Tony Sappington as the employee responsible for receiving complaints. Complaints may be provided via telephone at 918-443-6000 and via email to tony.sappington@oologah.k12.ok.us. This contact information shall also be accessible on the school district’s website.

Upon receipt of a complaint, the complainant shall receive notification from the designated employee that the complaint has been received and whether it will be investigated within ten (10) days of receipt.

The school district shall investigate all legally sufficient complaints and decide as to whether a violation occurred. The school district shall receive, process and investigate complaints in the same manner as all other complaints of discrimination. The investigation process shall be completed within ninety (90) days of receipt of a claim. Within thirty (30) days of resolution of the complaint, the designated employee shall report the resolution to the State Department of Education.

No individual shall be retaliated against for (1) filing a complaint; or (2) the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by federal civil rights laws and regulations. Any school employee who retaliates against a complainant may be subject to disciplinary action by the school district or by the State Board of Education. Any teacher who files a complaint or otherwise discloses information that the teacher reasonably believes is a violation of the prohibited concepts listed above shall be entitled to Whistleblower Protections. Any teacher or other school employee who, willfully, knowingly, and without probable cause makes a false report may be subject to disciplinary action by the school district or by the State Board of Education.

LEGAL REFERENCE: 70 O.S. § 24-157

State Accreditation Standard 210:10-1-23

A POLICY ON THIS ISSUE IS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARDS OF ACCREDITATION FOR OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS Effective July of 2021

Adoption Date: June 13, 2022 Revision Date(s):