Below is a list of common terms used with the Grievance Process: 

• Complainant: A Complainant is a person who has experienced harm, or identifies as a victim or survivor of prohibited conduct under Kiamichi Tech’s policies.
• Respondent: A Respondent is the individual and/or organization reported to be the alleged perpetrator of conduct that violates the policy. 
• Witness/Third-Party: Someone who may not have directly experienced prohibited conduct under Title IX, but may have knowledge of prohibited conduct. 
• Mandatory Reporter/Compliance Coordinator: A Kiamich Tech employee designated by the Title IX District Coordinator who is required to report incidents of alleged prohibited conduct under Title IX. 

Consent: The act of willingly agreeing to engage in each specific sexual contact or activity. Consent must be clear, knowing, voluntary, and expressed prior to engaging in and during each sexual act.

Sex Discrimination: Disparate treatment of an individual on the basis of sex or gender (including, but not limited to, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and pregnancy status) that adversely affects the terms or conditions of the individual's employment or substantially interferes with the individual's access to education or educational benefits.

Formal Complaint: A formal report submitted by a Complainant requesting Kiamichi Tech initiate the Grievance Process. A Title IX Coordinator may also file a Formal Complaint based on any incident report received which will initiate the Grievance Process.

Pregnancy or Related Condition: Pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, lactation, or any other conditions directly related to being pregnant.

Pregnant Student: A student who has, or is recovering from, a pregnancy or related condition.

Supportive Measures: Individualized free services that are available to individuals affected by Title IX-related matters, along with pregnant and parenting students.

• The incident has negatively affected your academics or employment.
• You have concerns about your safety or the safety of the community.
• You need someone to confide in or want to seek assistance and support, but you are not seeking action or do not want to name the Respondent.
• You want Kiamichi Tech to pursue disciplinary action against the Respondent.
• Reporting an incident informs Kiamichi Tech of the incident, which allows us to provide support, resources and accommodations to all the parties impacted by the incident and does not necessarily result in the initiation of a formal grievance process. 

Under Title IX, the following prohibited conduct includes: 

• Sexual assault
• Interpersonal violence (including dating and domestic violence)  
• Stalking 
• Sexual harassment (including harassment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy status)
• Sex discrimination
• Sexual exploitation
• Unprofessional or inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature
• Technological abuse
• Retaliation 
• False information and false complaints
• Interference with a grievance process under this policy
• Failing to report Prohibited Conduct as a non-confidential employee

Anyone enrolled at or employed by Kiamichi Tech, as well as parents/guardians of minor students or members of the public, may file a discrimination complaint based on protected characteristics, including harassment or retaliation. Parent/guardian complaints are handled the same as those of minor students.

1. Informal Resolution (Optional): If appropriate, the Title IX Coordinator may offer an informal resolution process. This is voluntary and does not apply to cases of sexual assault.
2. Investigation: A Coordinator will conduct a fair and impartial investigation, which may include interviews and reviewing evidence.
3. Decision: Within 5 days of the investigation's conclusion, both parties will receive a written decision.
4. Appeal Process: If either party disagrees with the decision, they can request an appeal to the superintendent, followed by the Board of Education if needed.

Review the Student Handbook for detailed information about the grievance procedure for filing, processing and resolving alleged complaints of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

Complaint records are confidential unless disclosure is permitted by the parties involved or required by law. These records are kept separate from district files and will not be included in personnel files unless adverse employment action is taken. Complaint records are retained for three years after resolution.

Kiamichi Tech prohibits retaliation against anyone who opposes discrimination or participates in the complaint process. The district will take steps to prevent retaliation, inform students and employees of their protections, and follow up to address any further issues. Any retaliation will result in strong responsive action.