Thank you for visiting the Roselle Public Schools Title IX web page. Title IX protects employees and students from discrimination based on their gender in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. It's crucial to have clear guidelines and processes in place to address sexual harassment effectively in school programs and athletic activities. On May 6, 2020 new regulations that mandate how school districts respond to Sexual Harassment claims under Title IX were issued. A Title IX Sexual Harassment claim can be reported by a student, a parent on behalf of the student or an employee on behalf of themselves . If it’s decided that a matter falls under Title IX all complaints must be reported to the District Title IX Coordinator with investigations that proceed. After the investigation, a final decision is made with all parties given the opportunity to appeal.
Once a complaint is received for a student there has to be a decision made as to whether the Sexual Harassment claim falls under Title IX or under the student Code of Conduct.
Title IX is regulated by the Federal Government and allegations must meet 3 specific criteria for it to be considered a Title IX Complaint as opposed to a student discipline complaint.
The criteria are as follows:
- Is the Act “Quid Pro Quo”?
- Is the Act considered Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence or Stalking?
- Is the act severe and pervasive (repeatedly done) and objectively offensive to the point it affects the education experience of the student?
By outlining the criteria for determining whether a complaint falls under Title IX or the Student Code of Conduct, the District ensures consistency and fairness in handling such sensitive matters.The District Title IX Coordinator can offer supportive measures regardless of whether the allegation falls under Title IX, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and safety of all students and employees.
All Title IX claims are investigated by trained Title IX Investigators at each school and finalized by a group of trained District Title IX Decision Makers.
They are listed below.
RPS Investigators
- Sheila Williams
- Dr. Melissa Nevarez
- Melissa Allison
- Victoria Lih
- Tomeeko Hunt
- Andreea Harry
- Dr. Edwin Griffin
RPS Decision Makers
- Dr. Lissette Gonzalez- Perez
- Andrey Green
- Daryl Wainer
- Dana Okimey
- Jennifer Griffith
If any parent, student or employee would like to submit a complaint please forward the complaint to the District Title IX Coordinator: Bernice Marshall Simmons at TitleIXCoordinator@roselleschools.org
Click here for the District Title IX Grievance Process
R 5750 and R 5751
Bernice Marshall- Simmons
Assistant Superintendent
of HR, Benefits & Labor
District Affirmative Action Officer
District Title IX Coordinator
TitleIXCoordinator@roselleschools.org
908.298.2040 x4001
Joshua Ijaola
HR Coordinator
908.298.2040 x2059
Lisa Alston
HR Coordinator
908.298.2040 x2044