Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal funding.  In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, SVUSD is committed to addressing racial discrimination and ensuring equal access to education for all students. On December 13, 2024, the Board revised Policy 5145.9 and adopted Regulation 5145.9 to strengthen these protections

Title VI

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in educational programs and activities, including athletics. It ensures that no one is excluded, denied benefits, or subjected to discrimination based on sex. This protection extends to students, parents, employees, and job applicants. Sex-based discrimination includes sexual harassment and violence. Additionally, California Education Code and other laws further reinforce anti-discrimination measures in schools. Title IX applies to all school sites, District programs, and activities. For more information and answers to frequentily asked questions, follow this link here: Title IX

All students, employees, parents and community members should report incidents of suspected bullying/harassment/ discrimination immediately. If you witness or suspect bullying of a student, please contact a staff member or submit a STOPit report. An investigation will be conducted to determine if bullying occurred and corrective action needed

 STOPit report

• Suspected Bullying,  BP 5131.2,  AR 5131.2 and Harassment, Discrimination
• Title VI Discrimination Students BP 5145.9 and AR 5145.9 (on board agenda 12/13/2024

Procedures for complaints concerning district employees are specified in district regulation can be accessed here:

BP1312.1

AR 1312.1

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District ensures compliance with state and federal education laws through its Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP), addressing complaints related to educational programs, discrimination, and unlawful fees. The District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on various protected characteristics and resolves complaints within 60 days.

• BP 1312.3
• UCP Annual Notice 

Williams Act Complaints AR 1312.4

State law requires notices be posted in each classroom in the district and complaint forms be available at each school regarding whether 1) there are sufficient textbooks and instructional materials available, 2) school facilities are clean, safe, and maintained in good repair, 3) or teacher vacancies exist or teachers are misassigned at the school. A complaint about any of these issues is called a “Williams” complaint after the name of a statewide lawsuit alleging inadequacies in schools.  Parents/Guardians should contact their student’s school principal if the notice is not posted or to obtain a complaint form to file a formal Williams complaint. 

• Williams Notification English/Spanish:  This notice informs parents, guardians, students, and teachers of their rights to sufficient textbooks, clean and safe facilities, and properly assigned teachers. Complaint forms are available within this section as well as at school offices and the district office

• Williams Complaint Form English: The Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures allow filing complaints about instructional materials, facility conditions, teacher vacancies, and services for students. Access and submit this form to address any concerns.    

• Williams Complaint Form Spanish/Procedimiento Uniforme de Quejas Williams:  Los Procedimientos Uniformes de Quejas Williams permiten presentar quejas sobre materiales educativos, condiciones de las instalaciones, vacantes de maestros y servicios para estudiantes. Acceda y envíe este formulario para abordar cualquier inquietud.