- Framingham Public Schools
- Title IX
Equity, Belonging, and Community Engagement
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What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. This law protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX states that:
“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.”
Who is the Title IX Coordinator for the Framingham Public Schools?
Dr. Anthony Pope, Assistant Superintendent of Equity, Belonging and Community Engagement, is the Title IX Coordinator for Framingham Public Schools. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed gender bias in any aspect of the Framingham Public Schools, including disparities in athletics, please contact Dr. Pope at apope@framingham.k12.ma.us or 508-782-6172.
The Title IX Coordinator is the responsible district employee who provides leadership and direction in expediting full compliance with the provisions of Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Chapter 622 of Massachusetts General Law and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, all of the above state and federal regulations require equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and religion in curricular, co- curricular and extracurricular activities. Any student or employee who believes that he/she has been discriminated against or harassed should report their concern promptly to the school principal or the relevant Title IX Coordinator listed. Civil Rights Coordinator for Disability Related Complaints and Civil Rights Coordinator for Complaints Based on Race, Color, National Origin, Age, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Religion.
How do I report an incident of possible sexual harassment or gender bias?
If you wish to report a gender bias concern or if you simply have a question, please contact the Office of Equity, Belonging and Community Engagement, Dr. Pope at apope@framingham.k12.ma.us or 508-782-6172.
Chapter 622 of M.G.L. and Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments of 1972
Regulations governing the application of Chapter 622 of the Massachusetts General Laws, Acts of 1971, were issued in June 1975. Chapter 622 states “No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and courses of study in such public school on account of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.” These regulations focus on the services, programs and opportunities offered to students. The Chapter 622 Regulations address five areas of school policy: school admissions, admission to courses of study, guidance, course content, and extracurricular and athletic activities.
Title IX Policy, Regulations, or Inquiries
A copy of the Title IX policy and/or any regulations or inquiries regarding Title IX or Chapter 622 may be obtained by contacting the Title IX Coordinator for the Framingham Public Schools: Dr. Anthony Pope, Assistant Superintendent of Equity, Belonging and Community Engagement & Title IX Coordinator for the Framingham Public Schools, 19 Flagg Drive, Framingham, MA 01702, 508-782-6172 or apope@framingham.k12.ma.us.
Title IX Coordinator
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Assistant Superintendent for Equity, Belonging, and Community Engagement
Dr. Anthony Pope
508-782-6172
Title IX Trainings
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Title IX Investigative Training for Framingham Public Schools
Training held: August 15 & 17, 2023
Title IX Investigative Training for Framingham Public Schools
Training held: August 23 & 24, 2022
New Title IX Regulations: Comprehensive Training for Title IX Coordinators, Administrators, and Relevant Personnel Provided by: The Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth, Inc
Nuttall, MacAvoy & Joyce, P.C.Training held: September 29, 2021
New Title IX Regulations: Comprehensive Training for Title IX Coordinators, Administrators, and Relevant Personnel Provided by: The Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth, Inc
Nuttall, MacAvoy & Joyce, P.C.
Single-session trainings held:
July 28, 2021, August 18, 2021, and August 26, 2021Material and Training Provided by: Jenni López and Tracy Kennedy
Sanghavi Law Office, LLC
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“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 educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Title IX a School Committee Policy?
A: No. Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a Federal Civil Rights law (20 U.S.C §1681- §1688).
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Do I have to pay for a Title IX Investigation?
A: No. Title IX is your right as a student/family of a student or employee of Framingham Public Schools. The cost of the Investigation is 100% free.
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Is a Title IX Investigation the same as going to the police or the District Attorney’s Office?
A: No. Title IX is a separate procedure. At times, the Title IX office may interact with the police or the DA’s Office regarding the status of the case. Otherwise, this is a completely separate process.
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Are results of a Title IX investigation/process reported to outside agencies/departments?
A: No. By law, the Investigative report/findings from a Title IX investigation are kept in the student’s school file for a period of seven years.
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What is Title IX?
A: Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 states that: “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 is a Federal Civil Rights law that holds an individual in violation if they discriminate against an individual(s) based on that individual(s) sex. This type of discrimination includes quid pro quo treatment based on sex, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Title IX also applies to gender equity in Athletics.
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How do I Know if I/my child is the victim of a Title IX violation?
A: No need to guess! Please call your school Principal, the Title IX office (or both!) for assistance in figuring this out.
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How long does the Title IX process take from start to finish?
A: Depending on the complexity of the case and the route that the parties agree to take in resolving the matter, a Title IX process can take any time between a week and several months from start to finish.
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Is Title IX just for student-to-student violations?
A: No. Title IX applies to Student-Student, Employee-Student and Employee-Employee violations.
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Why should I go through the Title IX process?
A: It is your right as a victim or family of a victim to seek recourse for any violation made against you. However, this is a decision that you should make after being fully informed of the process and having all of your questions answered to your satisfaction. We encourage you to reach out to the Title IX Office for a fuller discussion of this matter.
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Will someone assist me throughout the stages of the Title IX process?
A: Yes. You will be kept informed of the progress of the process in writing or verbally through every step of the process and whenever you reach out to the office with questions or concerns on the process.
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Will I/my student receive support in school through this process?
A: Yes. Under Title IX, you are entitled to receive any reasonable Supportive Measures that will help you in coping with the process. Additional counseling support is also available to you through referral from the Framingham Public Schools’ Department of Health and Wellness. You are also entitled to have an Attorney or Advisor of your choosing (at your expense) throughout the process.
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How can I get help at home while my child is going through the Title IX process?
A: Please reach out to the TItle IX Office for any assistance you may need at home while your student is going through the Title IX process. Supportive Measures can be provided to you and referrals can also be made to outside providers to assist you.
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Am I required to agree to a Title IX Investigation if my child is violated?
A: No. You are not required to agree to a Title IX Investigation. However, the Framingham Public Schools has the right to open a Title IX investigation on the facts of your case should we deem it necessary to protect the health, safety and well-being of the Framingham Public Schools community.
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Is there support for families going through the Title IX process?
A: Yes. Please feel free to reach out to the Title IX office for any support that you as a family may need.
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Is there an Appeal process after a Title IX decision is made?
A: Yes. Within five days of the issuance of the final decision. Either party has the right to appeal the final decision to Dr. Robert Tremblay, Superintendent of Framingham Public Schools.
