The State College Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution that is committed to providing to all persons equal access to all categories of employment, educational programs, and activities in a safe, positive environment that is free from all forms of harassment and discrimination regardless of race, color, age (40 or older) creed, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy or handicap/disability, because a person is a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other legally protected class, or for engaging in any other protected activities. The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in admission and employment practices. Publication of this statement is in accordance with state and federal laws including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The District shall make reasonable accommodations for identified medical, physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, or for religious reasons consistent with the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations.
All members of the SCASD community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, including sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, as well as state and federal laws, and will not be tolerated. These behaviors are inconsistent with the goals of the district and are prohibited on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities and on any conveyance providing transportation to or from a school entity or school-sponsored activity.
Individuals who believe they or others have been subject to discrimination and/or harassment are encouraged to promptly report such incidents. Complaints of discrimination and/or harassment shall be investigated promptly, and appropriate corrective or preventive action shall be taken when allegations are substantiated.
Complaints or questions relating to, discrimination, misconduct, and/or Title IX (including sexual/gender-based harassment) violations should be directed to:
Human Resources Director and Compliance/Title IX Officer
814-231-1051
In the event that an incident involves alleged misconduct by the Human Resources Director, reports should be made directly to the Superintendent at 814-231-1016.
Inquiries pertaining to discrimination of students on the basis of disability or alleged violations of Section 504 may be made by contacting:
Director of Student Services and Section 504 Compliance Officer
814-231-1011 ext 1071
Director of Special Education Services
814-231-1011 ext 1072
Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination also always have the right to contact government authorities:
Office for Civil Rights - Philadelphia Office
U.S. Department of Education
The Wanamaker Building
100 Penn Square East, Suite 515
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Telephone: (215) 656-8541
Email: OCR.Philadelphia@ed.gov
100.1, School Climate/Inclusive Excellence Policy
100.2, Gender-Expansive and Transgender Individuals – Ensuring Equity and Nondiscrimination
113, Special Education
219, Student Complaint Process
249, Bullying
250, Gender-Expansive and Transgender Students – Ensuring Equity and Nondiscrimination