It is a policy of the State Board of Education and a priority of the Oregon Department of Education that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability in any educational programs, activities or employment. Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should
contact Kate Hildebrandt, 255 Capitol Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97310; phone 503-551-5713.
In January of 2023, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) proudly published
Supporting Gender Expansive Students: Guidance for Schools. This guidance is grounded in the recognition, respect, affirmation, friendship, joy, belonging, and safety every human deserves - including the students, staff, and families that make-up our school communities. Developed in partnership with students, families, school districts, community-based organizations, and state agency partners, this guidance is grounded in the civil rights of students to be free from gender identity-based discrimination when pursuing their education. This guidance provides assistance to districts in fostering educational environments that are safe, free from discrimination, and aligned with state and federal laws.
Examples of Policies and Emerging Practices
Title IX-Introduction
State and federal laws prohibit discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation. Schools have an obligation to protect students, teachers, staff and other people within the school community. Schools also have an obligation to ensure that its programs and curriculum are free of bias and prejudice.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 was the first comprehensive federal law to prohibit sex discrimination against students and employees of educational institutions. It is one of several federal and state antidiscrimination laws that define and ensure equality in education. The regulations implementing Title IX, published in 1975, prohibit discrimination, exclusion, denial, limitation, or separation based on gender. Title IX states:
"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."
Title IX requires that each school district have at least one person designated as the Title IX Coordinator.
These pages are designed to provide information to those seeking assistance with complaints and to those individuals who are responsible for enforcement and oversight.