Non-Discrimination Policy
MEVA, under the governance of the MEVA Governing Board, complies with all applicable federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.. Inquiries may be directed to:
Dr. Melinda Browne, Chief Executive Officer/Head of School
Ballard Center: Maine Virtual Academy
6 East Chestnut Street, Suite 230
Augusta, ME 04330
Title IX, Civil Rights, Discrimination and Appeals/Complaint Process
In accordance with Federal and State OCR (Office for Civil Rights) Guidelines, any student who believes that MEVA, or any of the school’s staff, instructors, and/or administrators have inadequately applied the principles and/or regulations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 (sex/gender), and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability) may make a complaint which shall be referred to as a formal grievance. However, whenever possible and practical, an informal solution to the complaint is encouraged and should be attempted with the MEVA Chief Executive Officer/Head of School. There is more information on the Grievance process in this handbook, along with the necessary form, both in this handbook and on the website.
The definition of Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment is as follows:
- Sex discrimination occurs when a person, because of his or her sex, is denied participation in or the benefits of any education program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.
- Sexual harassment is conduct that: 1) is sexual in nature; 2) is unwelcome; and 3) denies or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school’s educational program or activity. Sexual harassment can be verbal, nonverbal or physical.
Maine Virtual Academy has a designated Title IX Coordinator and the contact information is as follows:
NAME: Ms. Jillian Dearborn
TITLE: Human Resources/Business Manager
ADDRESS: Maine Virtual Academy, Ballard Center, 6 Chestnut St, Suite 230, Augusta, ME 04330
PHONE NUMBER: 207 613 8900
EMAIL ADDRESS: jdearborn@mainevirtualacademy.org
Grievance Procedure: Title IX, Civil Rights, Discrimination
Any student, parent/guardian, current or prospective employee or other individual within the school community who believes he/she has experienced and/or observed sex discrimination or sexual harassment (“grievant”)should promptly report the matter to the school’s Title IX Coordinator , a school counselor, principal or other school administrator. A Title IX grievant is requested to complete a complaint form. Complaints of alleged sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, brought forth by students, parents/guardians, current or prospective employees, and other members of the school community will be promptly investigated in an impartial and in as confidential a manner as reasonably possible, so that corrective action can be taken if necessary.
The grievance procedures will be as follows:
1. It is the express policy of Maine Virtual Academy to encourage the prompt reporting of claims of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment. Timely reporting of complaints facilities the investigation and resolution of such complaints. A form for such purpose can be found on our website and will also be provided to grievant. As it pertains to students, in appropriate circumstances, due to the age of the student making the complaint, a parent/guardian or school administrator may be permitted to fill out the form on the student’s behalf.
2. At the time the complaint is filed, the grievant shall be given a copy of these grievance procedures. It is the responsibility of the Title IX Coordinator or designee to explain these procedures and answer any questions anyone has. In addition, if the grievant is a minor student, the Title IX Coordinator should consider whether a child abuse report should be completed in accordance with Maine Virtual Academy’s policy on the Reports of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect of Children.
3. The Title IX Coordinator or designee shall investigate the complaint as promptly as practicable but in no case more than ten (10) working days from the date the complaint was received. The Title IX Coordinator shall have the complete cooperation of all persons during the investigation.
4. The Title IX Coordinator shall meet with all individuals reasonably believed to have relevant information, including the grievant and the individual(s) against whom the complaint was lodged, and any witnesses to the conduct. The investigation shall be carried on discreetly, maintaining confidentiality insofar as reasonably possible while conducting an effective investigation.
5. If after an investigation, the Title IX Coordinator determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that sex discrimination or sexual harassment has occurred, the Maine Virtual Academy shall take appropriate corrective action in an effort to ensure that the conduct ceases and will not recur. The Title IX Coordinator shall also provide and or arrange for confidential counseling or training where appropriate. In addition, the Title IX Coordinator or designee shall seek an informal agreement between the parties which is consistent with Maine Virtual Academy’s Title IX principles and goals.
6. If no agreement satisfactory to the parties can be reached within twenty (20) working days from receipt of the complaint, the Title IX Coordinator or designee shall make a report to the School Board within thirty (30) working days from receipt of the complaint
7. The School Board shall review the case and make its recommendations to the Title IX Coordinator within fifteen (15) working days after receiving the grievance.
8. The Title IX Coordinator shall make provisions to maintain all records of complaints and their disposition.
9. Retaliation against an individual for filing a complaint or cooperating in an investigation is strictly prohibited, and Maine Virtual Academy will take actions necessary to prevent such retaliation.