Responsibilities of the Affirmative Action Officer

The Affirmative Action Officer has the responsibility to coordinate and implement the district’s efforts to comply with the regulations of N.J.A.C. 6A:7 and to promote a working and learning environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. This person also serves as the district’s Title IX Coordinator (Prohibiting Sexual Discrimination in Education). 

Affirmative Action Grievance Steps & Procedures

If you think you have experienced/witnessed discrimination:

1. Fill out the Grievance Form and email it to the district’s Affirmative Action Officers (AAOs). 

2. Upon receiving the grievance form, the district’s AAOs will begin the investigation process. This process may include:

• The gathering of written statement from all persons with potential knowledge of the alleged conduct
• Interviews with all persons with potential knowledge of the alleged conduct

3. Following the investigation, the results/conclusion of this investigation will be shared with appropriate parties.

4. You are guaranteed confidentiality, but not anonymity as witnesses must be questioned.

Appeal Process

• If unsatisfied with the results of the results of the Affirmative Action investigation, the grievant may appeal to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.
• If unsatisfied with the superintendent or his/her designee's decision, the grievant may appeal to the Board of Education.
• If unsatisfied with the Board's decision, the grievant may appeal to the Executive County Superintendent.
• The grievant has the right to by-pass this process and appeal directly to the:
  • Commissioner of Education;
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission;
  • U.S. Office of Civil Rights;
  • U.S. Department of Education; or
  • N.J. Division of Civil Rights.

Resources

• Southern Law Center
• National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity
• USDOE Office of Civil Rights