Title IX

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Title IX is a federal civil rights law enacted as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in all education programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
This protection applies to all students, employees, applicants for admission or employment, andparticipants in educational programs or activities. Discrimination based on sex includes, but is not limited to, discrimination based on: Sex, Pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or
recovery from any of these conditions, Parental or marital status, Sexual orientation, Gender identity or gender expression

The Title IX statute 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 Compliance at Palmetto Scholars Academy

Palmetto Scholars Academy (“PSA”) is committed to maintaining an educational and working
environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. In compliance with Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972, the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of
Education, the policies of the South Carolina Public Charter School District (SCPCSD), and
guidance from the South Carolina Department of Education, Palmetto Scholars Academy does not
discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its education programs or activities.
This prohibition against sex-based discrimination applies to all academic programs, extracurricular
activities, athletics, employment practices, admissions, counseling services, discipline, and all other
school-sponsored activities.

Sex-Based Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex includes sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is
conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: Quid pro quo harassment, where
an employee conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation in
unwelcome sexual conduct, Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine to be so
severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school’s
education program or activity, Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, as
defined by federal law

Sex-based harassment may include, but is not limited to, verbal, nonverbal, written, electronic, or physical
conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, even if the conduct does not rise to
the level of criminal behavior.
Reporting Concerns and Making a Complaint
Any individual who believes they have been subjected to sex-based discrimination or sexual harassment,
or who has knowledge of such conduct, is encouraged to report the concern promptly.
Reports may be made by: Students, Parents or guardians, Employees, Third parties
A report can be made at any time, including during non-business hours, using the Title IX Complaint
Form or by contacting the Title IX Coordinator directly.
The Title IX Complaint Form may also be used to report incidents of bullying.

Response to Reports.

Upon receipt of a report, Palmetto Scholars Academy will take prompt and appropriate action. The school
will respond to actual knowledge of sexual harassment occurring in an education program or activity in
the United States in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent.

The response will:
● Treat complainants and respondents equitably
● Offer supportive measures to involved parties, with or without a formal complaint
● Provide information about the grievance process
● Follow all required procedural safeguards
Supportive measures may include academic accommodations, schedule changes, counseling referrals, or
other non-disciplinary supports designed to restore or preserve equal access to education.
Determination of Title IX Applicability
The Title IX Coordinator will assess whether a reported allegation meets the definition of sexual
harassment under Title IX regulations.
● If the complaint meets Title IX criteria, it will be addressed through the formal Title IX
grievance process.
● If the complaint does not meet Title IX criteria, the matter will be referred to an appropriate
administrator and addressed under other applicable school policies, including the Student Code of
Conduct or employee disciplinary procedures.

Retaliation Prohibited

Palmetto Scholars Academy strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual for reporting sex-based
discrimination or sexual harassment, participating in an investigation, or exercising rights under Title IX.

Retaliation includes intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination for the purpose of interfering with
any Title IX right or privilege.
Training and Prevention
Palmetto Scholars Academy provides regular Title IX training for administrators, faculty, and staff.
Training focuses on: Identifying and responding to sexual harassment, Mandatory reporting obligations,
Supporting students and employees, Ensuring compliance with federal and state law
The school is committed to preventative education and fostering a culture of respect and accountability.
Title IX Coordinator Contact Information
Questions about Title IX, requests for supportive measures, or reports of sex-based discrimination or
harassment should be directed to:

Kaytie Widener | Title IX Coordinator
Palmetto Scholars Academy
7499 Dorchester Road
North Charleston, SC 29418
843-300-4118