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Non-Discrimination

Non-Discrimination Statement

Lawrence Public Schools, USD 497, is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination, insult, intimidation, or harassment for any reason.

Discrimination, including acts of harassment, against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability is prohibited by federal and state law and district policy. Discrimination, including acts of harassment, against any individual on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status or physical characteristics is prohibited by district policy thereby making the district complaint procedure available to persons who believe they have experienced such discrimination.

Any incident of discrimination, including acts of harassment, shall be promptly reported for investigation and corrective action by the principal or district compliance coordinator.

USD 497 is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in its employment, admissions, placement, recruitment and educational practices, and policies. Discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression is prohibited by Lawrence Board of Education Policy.

Please contact USD497Info@usd497.org about website accessibility issues.

Persons desiring additional information about this policy or assistance to accommodate individual needs under Title VI, Title IX, Americans with Disability Act, or Section 504 should contact the district compliance coordinator, at 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence, KS 66044, 785/832-5000.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

1. has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include, but are not limited to,  activities such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working);

2. has a record of such impairment; or

3. is regarded as having such an impairment.

In order to fulfill obligations under Section 504, the Lawrence Public School District has the responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person with a disability should knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices of the school system.

The school district has responsibilities under Section 504, which include the obligation to identify, evaluate, and if the student is determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational services. If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.

If you have questions about Section 504, please contact your child's school principal.

Persons desiring additional information about this policy or assistance to accommodate individual needs under Section 504 should contact the district compliance coordinator at 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence, KS 66044, 785/832-5000.