What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. This law protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX states that:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Who is the Title IX Coordinator for the Framingham Public Schools?

Saundra Edwards, Manager of Diversity, Inclusion, and Compliance is the Title IX Coordinator for Framingham Public Schools. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed gender bias in any aspect of the Framingham Public Schools, including disparities in athletics please contact Saundra at sedwards18@framingham.k12.ma.us or 508-782-6826.

The Title IX Coordinator is the responsible district employee who provides leadership and direction in expediting full compliance with the provisions of Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Chapter 622 of Massachusetts General Law and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, all of the above state and federal regulations require equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and religion in curricular, co- curricular and extra-curricular activities. Any student or employee who believes that he/she has been discriminated against or harassed should report their concern promptly to the school principal or the relevant The Title IX Coordinator listed. Civil Rights Coordinator for Disability Related Complaints and Civil Rights Coordinator for Complaints Based on Race, Color, National Origin, Age, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Religion.

How do I report an incident of possible sexual harassment or gender bias?

If you wish to report a gender bias concern or if you simply have a question, please contact the Office of Equity, Diversity and Community Development at 508-782-6890 or email Saundra at sedwards18@framingham.k12.ma.us.

Chapter 622 of M.G.L. and Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments of 1972

Regulations governing the application of Chapter 622 of the Massachusetts General Laws, Acts of 1971, were issued in June of 1975. Chapter 622 states “No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and courses of study in such public school on account of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.” These regulations focus on the services, programs and opportunities offered to students. The Chapter 622 Regulations address five areas of school policy: school admissions, admission to courses of study, guidance, course content, and extra-curricular and athletic activities.

Title IX Policy, Regulations, or Inquiries

A copy of the Title IX policy and/or any regulations or inquiries regarding Title IX or Chapter 622 may be obtained by contacting the Title IX Coordinator for the Framingham Public Schools: Ms. Saundra Edwards, Manager of Diversity, Inclusion, and Compliance & Title IX Coordinator for the Framingham Public Schools, 19 Flagg Drive, Framingham, MA 01702, 508-782-6826 or sedwards18@framingham.k12.ma.us.