Title IX Update:
The U.S. Department of Education published new Title IX regulations which became effective August 1, 2024 (the 2024 Title IX regulations). This statement is to explain what the Wyomissing Area School District is doing with regards to the 2024 Title IX regulations considering a preliminary injunction order entered in State of Kansas et al. v. United States Department of Education. That federal court case is one of several that challenges the legality of the 2024 Title IX regulations.
The Kansas preliminary injunction order prohibits the federal government from enforcing the 2024 Title IX regulations in hundreds of named colleges, universities, and K-12 schools throughout the country. The School District has learned that the Kansas list of educational institutions includes the following District schools: Wyomissing Hills Elementary Center, West Reading Elementary Center and Wyomissing Junior Senior High School. The U.S. Department of Education has stated schools identified on that list should continue to comply with the 2020 version of the Title IX regulations, pending further court orders in that litigation.
After conferring with our solicitor, the School District will continue to follow its existing anti-discrimination policies and procedures, that already were in place before the 2024 Title IX regulations, without modifications or changes. In the meantime, the School District remains committed to complying with and enforcing Title IX, and people may refer to School Board
Policies 103 and 104 to pursue complaints to address any allegations of prohibited discrimination. Further questions may be addressed to the District’s Title IX Coordinator at
[email protected].
Title IX Information
The Wyomissing Area School District affirms that no person shall, on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, age, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, veteran’s status or genetic information be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any educational program or activity. In addition, no person shall, on any of these bases, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in employment, or recruitment, or consideration, or selection, therefore, whether full-time or part-time, under any educational program or activity operated by the district. The District shall make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Anti-Harassment/Anti-Retaliation Statement: The District does not tolerate sexual harassment. Any individual who believes they have been subjected to sexual harassment is strongly encouraged to make a report which will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Retaliation against individuals who file complaints about sexual harassment, or participate in the investigation of such complaints, is strictly prohibited.
Students or staff found to have engaged in sexual harassment or retaliation will be promptly disciplined, and such discipline may include, if circumstances warrant, suspension, expulsion and/or termination. Students, parents and staff are encouraged to work together to prevent sexual harassment.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, the District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates. This requirement not to discriminate in the District's education programs and activities extends to employment with and admission to the District.
Designated Title IX Coordinator: In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, the District has a designated Title IX Coordinator. The District’s Title IX Coordinator should be contacted regarding any inquiries as to the application of Title IX or filing a harassment complaint.
Title IX Coordinator contact information:
Dr. Melissa Woodard
District Title IX Coordinator
Assistant Superintendent
630 Evans Avenue
Wyomissing, PA 19610
610-374-0739 ext. 1106