In its efforts to promote nondiscrimination and as required by law, the district does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law in providing education services, activities, and programs, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. 

In accordance with Title IX, the district does not and is required not to discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in its educational programs or activities. The requirement not to discriminate extends to employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to the district’s Title IX Coordinator (see below), to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both.

Other federal laws that prohibit discrimination include Title VI, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act, the Boy Scouts Act, and Title II. 

The district’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures are in the FFH series of policies in the district’s policy manual, available at https://pol.tasb.org/PolicyOnline?key=364

The district has designated and authorized the following employee as the Title IX Coordinator to address concerns or inquiries regarding discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or sex-based harassment:

Mary Garcia
Student Services Director
magarci2@garlandisd.net
720 Stadium Dr. Garland ,TX 75040
(972) 487-4347

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.