Gaston County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, which is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and federal regulations do not discriminate in such a manner. This requirement extends to admission and employment. Discrimination on the basis of sex, including any form of sexual harassment as that term is defined under Title IX, in any program or activity of the school system will not be tolerated. 

Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its implementing federal regulations may be referred to the school district's Title IX coordinator and/or the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education.  

The contact information for the Title IX coordinator is as follows:

Title IX Coordinator is: Judy Leahy, Title IX Coordinator
Office Address: 943 Osceola Street, Gastonia, NC 28054
Email Address: jmleahy@gaston.k12.nc.us
Phone Number: 980-460-9408

Sexual Harassment Reporting Tool

GCS Administrator Report of Title IX

The contact information for the Office for Civil Rights with jurisdiction over North Carolina is as follows:

400 Maryland Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1475
Telephone: 202-453-6020 
TDD: 800-877-8339
FAX: 202-453-6021           
Email: OCR.DC@ed.gov

Gaston County Schools Anti-Harassment Statement

Gaston County Schools (“GCS”) does not tolerate any form of unlawful discrimination or harassment in any of its education activities or programs. GCS acknowledges the dignity and worth of all students and employees and strives to create a safe, orderly, caring, and inviting school environment to facilitate student learning and achievement. Discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, disability, or age (over 40), and will provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups required by law.   Any student who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment, any parent of such a student, or any student who believes that another student is being subjected to sexual harassment is encouraged to report the harassment to GCS, specifically to the Title IX Coordinator.

GCS is committed to conducting a prompt investigation of any such reports. Counseling and educational resources will be available to students who have alleged harassment and to students accused of sexual harassment. Students found to have engaged in acts of harassment or other acts that create a hostile environment may be disciplined, including, if circumstances warrant, suspension or expulsion. GCS encourages students, parents, and staff to work together to prevent sexual harassment.

Important Board Policy Links
Title IX Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Policy 1720/4031/7235  
Title IX Sexual Harassment Prohibited Conduct And Reporting Process Policy 1725/4035/7236 
Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance and Process Policy 1726/4036/7237  
Discrimination and Harassment Prohibited by Federal Law Policy 1710/4023/7230  
Staff-Student Relations Policy 4375/7310 
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disabilities Policy 7220  
Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace Policy 7232  
Assaults and Threats Policy 4331  
Bullying and Harassing Behavior Prohibited Policy 4329/7311  
School-Level Investigations Policy 4339  

Training Requirements

All of Gaston County Schools Employees have been provided with the  TITLE IX  Compliance TRAINING FOR ALL GCS EMPLOYEES  by August 14, 2020.

Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and those involved in any informal resolution process receive annual training on these topics with Campbell Shatley Attorneys at Law.  www.csedlaw.com