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Hamilton County Board of Education’s Commitment

Hamilton County Board of Education’s Board Policy 6.304 Student Discrimination/Harassment/Hazing and Bullying/Intimidation states:
“The Hamilton County Board of Education is fully committed to providing a safe and [supportive] learning environment for all students in order for them to achieve academic success. This environment shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, sexual harassment, hazing, bullying or cyber-bullying… It is a violation of board policy for any employee or any student to discriminate against or harass another student on the basis of sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, or religion. Discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated.”

Hamilton County Schools Commitment to Belonging

The district’s strategic plan, Opportunity 2030, includes five commitments, including Every Student Belongs and Every Employee Valued. One of our key strategies of the strategic plan is creating a welcoming space for all.

Title VI and Their Impacts on HCS Commitments

Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act says, “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” (42 U.S.C.§2000d). If a Title VI complaint is proven to be found valid, it undermines HCS commitments to a non-discriminatory, safe, and supportive environment for all members of the community, including students, staff, families, and community members.

Title VI Contacts

Chief of Student Supports & Title VI Coordinator
Dr. Jasmine M. Fernández

Department of Student Supports Administrative Assistant
Valencia Martin

Programs and activities that receive federal funding must operate in a non-discriminatory manner. The activities that are protected under Title VI include:

  • Academic programs
  • Admissions
  • Athletics
  • Classroom assignment
  • Counseling and guidance
  • Discipline
  • Grading
  • Financial aid
  • Physical education
  • Recreation
  • Recruitment
  • Student treatment and services
  • Vocational education

These examples are not exhaustive but illustrate the types of cases that may constitute a Title VI violation.

  • Cultural or Religious Insensitivity: Peers consistently mock or disregard a student’s cultural traditions, dress, or religious practices tied to their ethnic background, and school staff fail to intervene.
  • Denying Language Access to Families: A front office staff member refuses to provide a non-English speaking parent with a translated version of a school document or declines to arrange an interpreter for a parent-teacher conference.
  • Discouraging Students Based on National Origin: A college and career advisor advises students who are recent immigrants or English learners to avoid applying to college or taking AP classes, based on assumptions about their ability or background.
  • Limited Access to Programs or Classes: A school counselor discourages students of a certain ethnic or racial background from enrolling in advanced or honors courses, even when they meet the qualifications.
  • Racial Harassment or Slurs: Three students target another student with taunts, social exclusion, or threats because of their national origin or skin color.
  • Sharing or Posting Racist Content Online: A student posts racist memes, threats, or comments targeting classmates of a certain racial or ethnic background on social media, and those posts affect the school environment.
  • Unequal Disciplinary Practices: A teacher consistently sends students of a specific ethnic or racial background to the office for minor behaviors (e.g., talking out of turn), while allowing students of another race to engage in similar behavior without consequence.
  • Phone: 423-498-7104
  • File in person or Mail: 3074 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, TN, 37412

You may file a signed, written complaint up to 180 days to the date of the alleged discrimination. The complaint should include:

  • Your name, address, and telephone number.
  • The name and address of the agency, institution, or department you believe discriminated against you.
  • How, why and when you believe you were discriminated against. Include as much specific, detailed information as possible about the alleged acts of discrimination and any other relevant information.
  • Include the names of any person(s), if known, who the Office of Civil Rights could contact for clarity of your allegations.

FAQs

How long should I expect to wait before hearing from someone after filing a complaint?

You should expect to receive an initial response within 10 calendar days of filing your complaint. This response typically confirms that your complaint has been received and outlines the next steps in the process. If additional information is needed to move forward, you will be contacted directly.

Who conducts the investigation?

The intake process for a Title VI investigation may be completed by the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Student Supports. However, the investigation itself is primarily conducted by the Chief of Student Supports, with consultation and support from relevant stakeholders as needed (e.g., Human Resources, Legal, and direct supervisors).

What are the different phases of an investigation?

After the intake, the Chief of Student Supports conducts an initial review of the complaint to determine whether the investigation should be handled at the school-based level or remain at the district level. A Title VI investigation includes several phases: intake and complaint review, written notice of investigation, evidence collection and analysis, issuance of findings, corrective action (if applicable), closure & feedback. If a violation is found, corrective actions are implemented, and the case is formally closed.

How long does the entire investigation process take?

Most investigations are concluded within 60 to 120 days, although more complex cases may require additional time. Throughout the investigation, safeguards are implemented to minimize any disruption to educational services and job duties.

What are my rights during the investigation?

Whether you are filing the complaint or responding to allegations, everyone is entitled to due process. Your rights include: 1.) Being treated fairly throughout the investigation; 2.) Responding to allegations and providing your account of events 3.) Presenting witnesses and evidence on your behalf; 4.) Being informed of the outcome of the investigation

How will I be kept informed about the progress of the investigation?

You will receive a written acknowledgement of the complaint and notification of key milestones: the investigation officially begins, interviews are scheduled or completed, additional information is needed, delays or extensions occur, and the investigation concludes. Updates are communicated via email, phone, or written letter.

How will I know the final outcome of the investigation?

Once the investigation concludes, you will be informed of the outcome both verbally and in writing. Regardless of the findings, the district will take steps to strengthen its programs or policies. When appropriate, the district will also address and remedy any discriminatory effects experienced.

What if I am not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation?

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you have the right to appeal the decision within 10 calendar days of receiving the outcome of the letter. The appeal should clearly state the reasons for disagreement with the decision (e.g., procedural errors, new evidence, or failure to apply policy appropriately). The district will review the appeal and issue a written response within a specified time frame (often 10–30 days).

How can I provide feedback on how the investigation was handled?

Once the investigation concludes, in addition to the notification of the outcome, you will receive access to a feedback form where you can evaluate the effectiveness, fairness, and overall quality of the investigation process.

Can I submit a report anonymously?

Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin, in administering discipline, and the prohibition of retaliation. You can make an anonymous report online if you are a student, parent, guardian, or member of the public, but be sure to provide enough information for us to investigate.

I think I might be experiencing sexual harassment, but I am not sure. Who do I contact?

  • HCS aims to ensure all members of a school community feel seen, valued, and safe. To learn more about what Title IX is and file a complaint, please contact

Dr. Cheryl McCray