Tile IX

Title IX Prohibits Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence in Public Schools

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities receiving federal funding. Sex discrimination under Title IX includes sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, such as sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual coercion, and other forms of unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.

The Griffin-Spalding County School System is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning and work environment for all students, employees, and community members. The district prohibits discrimination and harassment based on:

  • Sex

  • Race

  • Color

  • National origin

  • Disability

The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education has adopted Board Policy JCAC, which defines and prohibits sexual harassment.

  • Policy JCAC is available on the district’s Simbli policy website

  • Additional information is included in student and employee handbooks

Reporting Concerns or Complaints:

The district encourages prompt reporting of all concerns.

School-Level Reporting
Reports may be made to:

  • A school principal

District Title IX Coordinator

For concerns involving sexual harassment or sexual misconduct:

Ms. Lindy Pruitt
Title IX Coordinator
lindy.pruitt@gscs.org
770-229-3700

Athletics & Sports Equity (Title IX)

For concerns related to gender equity in athletics and sports programs:

Mr. Bill Stikes
Sports Equity Coordinator
bill.stikes@gscs.org
770-229-3700

Title IX Grievance Procedure:

The Griffin-Spalding County School System follows a prompt and equitable grievance process for all Title IX complaints.

1. Filing a Complaint

  • Reports may be made by students, employees, parents, or third parties

  • Reports may be submitted in person, by email, by phone, or in writing

  • A report may be made at any time, including outside school hours

2. Initial Response

Upon receiving a report, the district will:

  • Contact the complainant to discuss the availability of supportive measures

  • Explain the process for filing a formal complaint

  • Consider the complainant’s wishes regarding how the district proceeds

Supportive measures may include (as appropriate):

  • Schedule changes

  • Counseling support

  • No-contact directives

  • Academic adjustments

Supportive measures are available with or without filing a formal complaint.

3. Formal Complaint & Investigation

If a formal complaint is filed:

  • The district will conduct a fair, impartial, and timely investigation

  • Both parties will have an equal opportunity to:

    • Present evidence

    • Identify witnesses

  • The district will use a preponderance of the evidence standard (more likely than not)

4. Determination

At the conclusion of the investigation:

  • A written determination will be issued to the parties

  • The determination will include:

    • Findings of fact

    • Conclusions regarding policy violations

    • Any disciplinary actions or remedies (as appropriate)

5. Appeals

Both parties may be offered the opportunity to appeal based on:

  • Procedural irregularity

  • New evidence

  • Conflict of interest or bias

Appeal procedures will be provided at the time of determination.

6. Prohibition of Retaliation

The district strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who:

  • Reports discrimination or harassment

  • Participates in an investigation or grievance process

Any acts of retaliation should be reported immediately and will be addressed promptly.

7. Confidentiality

The district will respect the privacy of all parties to the extent possible while still fulfilling its obligation to investigate and respond.

Our Commitment to Students:

Griffin-Spalding County Schools is committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to educational and athletic opportunities, free from discrimination, harassment, and misconduct.

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