The Board prohibits discrimination of the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, height, weight, color, hair texture, hair type or hair style, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, pregnancy or veteran status by School Board members, employees, other scholars, vendors, contractors or other persons doing business with the District. Allegations of discrimination based on race, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability or veteran status shall be reported to the Civil Rights Compliance Officer:
Civil Rights Compliance Officer
Human Resources
Grand Rapids Public Schools
1331 Martin Luther King Jr St. SE PO Box 117
Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0117
HumanResources@grps.org | (616) 819-2030
Allegations of discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression and pregnancy shall be reported to the Title IX Coordinator:
Title IX Compliance Coordinator
Grand Rapids Public Schools
1331 Martin Luther King Jr St. SE PO Box 117
Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0117
TitleIX@grps.org | (616) 819-2031
The complainant shall share the details of the discrimination or harassment experienced. The complainant shall be asked to complete a copy of the District Discrimination/Harassment Complaint form. Also see complaints of sexual harassment.
The District (or designees) shall investigate allegations of civil rights violations. All complaints, interviews and investigations shall be processed in a manner which protects all individuals to the extent reasonably possible. The District shall make every effort to prevent public disclosure of the names of the parties involved, except to the extent necessary to carry out the investigation and/or eliminate discrimination, harassment and improper conduct.
The District, scholars, and/or employees who are alleged perpetrators of discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct shall be entitled to due process prior to the imposition of any sanctions. Subject to the rights of scholars or employees, the District shall make efforts to keep complainants advised of the progress of the investigation and of any decision it reaches concerning the situation.
If any of the involved parties have questions concerning the progress of an investigation of a civil rights complaint or actions taken by the District to remediate any discrimination, that may have occurred, contact M2. Civil Rights Compliance Officer or Title IX Coordinator.
Follow-Through at Conclusion of Investigation
If it is concluded that the allegations have merit, action will be taken to remediate the situation. The District shall follow its procedures to attempt to prevent a reoccurrence of discrimination and/or improper conduct.
Retaliation by anyone against an individual, who has reported discrimination or improper conduct, or who participated in the investigation, is strictly forbidden. If the complainant believes that anyone is retaliating against them in any way, they must immediately notify their Principal (or designee) and/or the Civil Rights Compliance Officer, or the Title IX Coordinator.
Employee Responsibilities
Any employee who observes or receives a complaint of discrimination or harassment must do the following:
- Immediately report the activity or complaint to their immediate supervisor, the District Civil Rights Compliance Officer or Title IX Coordinator.
- Cooperate in the investigation and enforcement of Board policy and laws as requested.
