Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a federal law that was passed to ensure people, regardless of their sex, are treated equally and fairly.  Desert Trails Preparatory Academy (“School”) does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in admission and employment. 

Who is the Title IX Coordinator for School?

School has designated the following individual as its Title IX Coordinator:

Debra Tarver
CEO
9966 I Ave. Hesperia, CA 92345
760-948.4333
Debbie.tarver@lepacademy.com

How may I report or file a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX?

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination under Title IX or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please contact the School’s Title IX Coordinator. 

Otherwise, a sex discrimination complaint may be filed with the Office for Civil Rights:

San Francisco Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
50 United Nations Plaza
Mail Box 1200, Room 1545
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 486-5555
ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov

United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Complaint Form

United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System

Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator or to the Office for Civil Rights, or both.

Is there a statute of limitations for filing an alleged incident of harassment or discrimination?

Consistent with School Uniform Complaint Procedures Policy (“UCP”), a complaint alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying must be filed no later than six (6) months from the date when the alleged unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying occurred or the complainant first obtained knowledge of it.  The time for filing may be extended by School for good cause upon written request from the complainant.

A report or complaint regarding sex discrimination as defined under Title IX is not subject to the six-month timeline in the UCP.

How are discrimination complaints investigated?

Complaints of sex-based discrimination under Title IX made with School are investigated in accordance with School’s Title IX Sex-Based Nondiscrimination Policy and Grievance Procedures, a copy of which is available on the website.  All other complaints of discrimination are investigated under the UCP.

For federal guidance on how complaints may be further pursued, please see the following link:

United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights

Where can I get more information on the rights of a pupil and the public and the responsibilities of the public school under Title IX?

The following Internet resources are available to find more information regarding rights and responsibilities under Title IX:

California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity

United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights

In addition, California law, like Title IX, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and affords individuals certain rights.  You can access those rights here: Rights Afforded Under Education Code Section 221.8.   Specifically, you have the right to (when applicable):

1. Fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
2. Be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
3. Inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
4. Apply for athletic scholarships.
5. Receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following: (i) equipment and supplies; (ii) scheduling of games and practices; (iii) transportation and daily allowances; (iv) access to tutoring; (v) coaching; (vi) locker rooms; (vii) practice and competitive facilities; (viii) medical and training facilities and services; and (ix) publicity.
6. Have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.
7. Contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
8. File a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights or the State Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex.
9. Pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
10. Be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.