Notice of Non-Discrimination

The District prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any student or employee. Discrimination is defined as treating a student, group of students, or employee differently from similarly situated individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.

Additionally, the District does not discriminate on the basis of sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), in its education programs or activities, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and its implementing regulations, not to discriminate in such a manner.

The requirement not to discriminate in its education program or activity extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to the District's Title IX Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR), or both.

The District has designated the following individual to coordinate efforts to comply with and carry out its non-discrimination responsibilities, and questions regarding the District’s non-discrimination commitments, as well as related laws, regulations, and District policies, may be referred to the designated employee: 

Mary Garcia
Assistant Director of Student Services, Coordinator of Title IX
Manuel & Marie Valle Student Services Center
720 Stadium Drive
Garland, TX 75040
972-487-4347
MAGarci2@garlandisd.net

Grievance Process

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Step 1

Formal Complaint
A formal complaint is a document alleging sexual harassment against a Respondent, requesting an investigation; the Title IX grievance process begins after the Complaint or Title IX Coordinator files a formal complaint. Use the forms below to make a formal complaint:

• Student Title IX Reporting form
• Staff Title IX Reporting form (GISD email address and password are required)

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Step 2

Supportive Measures
Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive services offered on an individualized and appropriate basis. Supportive measures are designed to mitigate the effects of harm and protect the parties involved.

No Contact Agreement
The parties voluntarily agree to no contact during the Title IX grievance process.  

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Step 3

Title IX Allegations can be resolved by one of the following processes:

• Complaint Dismissal
  • Allegations do not meet the definition of sexual harassment
  • Alleged conduct did not occur in an education program or activity
  • No longer a student or employee
  • The conduct did not occur in the U.S
• Informal Resolution
  • Voluntary mutual consent of the parties with no conditions to do so
  • Not available for certain sexual violence incidents or allegations that involve a staff member or contractor of Garland ISD
  • Either party can withdraw consent at any time prior to resolution and revert to formal process; however, when agreed upon resolution is obtained, the case is closed
• Investigation (Continue to step 4-5)
  The investigator will:
  • issue prior notice of interviews;
  • conduct interviews and collect data;
  • determine the relevance of information and data;
  • analyze relevant information and data;
  • simultaneously distribute evidence and findings of fact to parties;
  • receive written response from parties; and
  • finalize the Investigation Report.

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Step 4

Determination
The Decision maker will:

• issue a written decision regarding responsibility and any disciplinary sanctions if applicable by analyzing relevant investigation evidence based on a preponderance of the evidence standard;
• simultaneously distribute the decision/determination of responsibility to both parties, along with how to file an appeal;
• receive and review written responses from parties; and
• finalize written determination.

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Step 5

Appeal
Both parties are offered an opportunity to appeal a determination regarding responsibility or dismissal of the complaint on the following basis:

• Procedural irregularity;
• Newly discovered evidence that could affect the outcome; or
•  If Title IX personnel had a conflict or bias that affected the outcome.