The Niskayuna Central School District is committed to creating and maintaining an environment which is free from discrimination and harassment. This policy addresses the provision of equal educational opportunities to students. It is just one component of the District’s overall commitment to maintaining a discrimination and harassment-free educational and work environment.
Consistent with this commitment and in accordance with law and regulation, the District provides equal opportunity for students and does not discriminate against any student enrolled in (or any candidate for admission to) its programs and activities on the basis of any legally protected class or category including, but not limited to: race; color; religion; disability; national origin; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; military status; sex; age; marital status; pregnancy; parental status; weight; ethnic group; or religious practice. Further, the District provides equal access to its facilities to any group officially affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America or any other youth group listed in Title 36 (as a patriotic society).
The District adopts this policy as part of its effort to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints of discrimination. The District will promptly respond to reports of discrimination, ensure that all investigations are conducted within a reasonably prompt time frame and under a predictable fair grievance process that provides due process protections, and impose disciplinary measures and implement remedies when warranted.
Inquiries about this policy may be directed to the District’s Civil Rights Compliance Officer(s) (CRCO(s)).
Educational Services for Married/Pregnant Students
Public schools may not discriminate against students based on their parental and/or marital status. The opportunity to participate in all of the services, programs, and activities of the school district shall not be restricted or denied because of pregnancy, parenthood, or marriage.
Pregnant students shall be encouraged to remain and participate in District programs. The forms of instruction provided to such students may include any or all of the following:
a) Remain in school with provisions for special instruction, scheduling, and counseling as needed;
b) Receive home instruction;
c) Attend BOCES programs.
In this regard, the Superintendent or his/her designee, in consultation with student services staff, the school physician and the student’s personal physician, may make program modifications which are feasible and necessary to accommodate the special needs of such students.
Reporting Allegations of Discrimination
In order for the District to enforce this policy, and to take corrective action as warranted, it is essential that students who believe that they have been a victim of discrimination, as well as any other person who has knowledge of or witnesses any possible discrimination, immediately report the alleged conduct or incident. Reports of discrimination may be made orally or in writing to any District employee including, but not limited to, a teacher, building principal, or Civil Rights Compliance Officer (CRCO).
All District employees who witness or receive an oral or written report of discrimination must immediately inform the CRCO. Failure to immediately inform the CRCO may subject the employee to discipline up to and including termination. If the CRCO is unavailable, including due to a conflict of interest or other disqualifying reason, the report will be directed to another CRCO, if the District has designated another individual to serve in that capacity. If the District has not designated another CRCO, the Superintendent will ensure that another person with the appropriate training and qualifications is appointed to act as the CRCO.
Additionally, District employees must comply with reporting requirements in any other applicable District policy or document.
Grievance Process for Complaints of Discrimination
The District will act to promptly, thoroughly, and equitably investigate all complaints, whether oral or written, of discrimination and will promptly take appropriate action to protect students from further discrimination.
Various District policies and documents address discrimination. These policies and documents may include: Policy #3420, Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment in the District; Policy #3421, Title IX and Sex Discrimination; Policy #7550, Dignity for All Students; and the District’s Code of Conduct. All complaints will be handled in accordance with the applicable District policies and/or documents.
The determination as to which District policies and/or documents are applicable is fact-specific, and the CRCO may work with other District staff such as the District’s Title IX Coordinator(s) and/or Dignity Act Coordinator(s) (DAC(s)) to determine which District policies and/or documents are applicable to the specific facts of the complaint.
If an investigation reveals that discrimination has occurred, the District will take immediate corrective action as warranted. This action will be taken in accordance with applicable law and regulation, as well as any applicable District policy, regulation, procedure, collective bargaining agreement, third-party contract, or other document such as the District’s Code of Conduct.
Prohibition of Retaliatory Behavior (Commonly known as “Whistle-Blower” Protection)
The District prohibits retaliation against any individual because the individual made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing related to a complaint of discrimination.
Complaints of retaliation may be directed to the CRCO. If the CRCO is unavailable, including due to a conflict of interest or other disqualifying reason, the report will be directed to another CRCO, if the District has designated another individual to serve in that capacity. If the District has not designated another CRCO, the Superintendent will ensure that another person with the appropriate training and qualifications is appointed to act as the CRCO.
Where appropriate, follow-up inquiries will be made to ensure that the discrimination has not resumed and that those involved in the investigation have not suffered retaliation.
Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 42 USC Section 6101 et seq.
Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 USC Section 12101 et seq.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 USC Section 794 et seq.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 USC Section 2000d et seq.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 USC Section 1681 et seq.
20 USC Section 1701, et seq.
45 CFR Section 84.40
Refer also to Policies #3410 — Code of Conduct Requirements
#3420 — Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment in the District
#3421 – Title IX and Sex Discrimination
#7550 — Dignity for All Students
Adopted August 16, 2016
Reviewed, Revised, Renumbered Feb. 11, 2025