Non-Discrimination Notice
California Virtual Academies is committed to providing an inclusive, supportive, and discrimination-free learning environment for all students.
In compliance with federal and state laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.), and California Education Code §§ 200-220,
CAVA prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived:
- Race or ethnicity
- Color
- National origin
- Citizenship status
- Immigration status
- Ancestry
- Religion
- Gender, gender identity, or gender expression
- Sexual orientation
- Disability (physical or mental)
- Medical condition
- Marital or parental status
- Age
- Pregnancy status
- Any other protected characteristic under federal or state law
This applies to all educational programs, activities, services, and school-sponsored events. CAVA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment by students, staff, or third parties and will take immediate steps to address any violations.
Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
Students who experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or bullying are encouraged to report the incident, see contact information below.
To view more information regarding a specific law, click on the title below which is linked to the Department of Education or the CA Department of Education.
Title IX: Prohibiting Gender Discrimination in Education
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq.) is a federal law that states:
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in education, including K–12 schools. Title IX has been used to promote equity in education by ensuring equal resources and treatment in education and school-related athletic and extracurricular activities, providing protections for pregnant and parenting students, and prohibiting sex-based harassment, discrimination, and bullying.
For Questions Contact:
Melisse Burns | Title IX Coordinator
To File a Complaint with the School:
Contact OCR Office
For assistance related to civil rights or to file a complaint, you may contact the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforcement office. 1800.421.3481
Rights of Individuals with Disabilities
Three key federal laws protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in the United States:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794)
Title II, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.)
Together, these laws ensure schools provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE), protection against discrimination, and support services for individuals with disabilities in education.
For Questions Contact:
Kimberly Odom | Special Education Director
Contact OCR Office
For assistance related to civil rights or to file a complaint, you may contact the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforcement office. (800) 421-3481
Title VI: Civil Rights Act
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.
For Questions Contact:
Krista Mount | Director of Categorical Programs
To File a Complaint with the School:
Use the Uniform Compliant Procedure
California Education Code §§ 200-220: Anti-Discrimination Protections in Education
The California Education Code §§ 200-220 establishes anti-discrimination protections in public schools across the state. It ensures that all students have equal access to educational opportunities, regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, or other protected characteristics.
For Questions Contact:
Krista Mount | Director of Categorical Programs
Kmount@caliva.org
805.581.0202
To File a Complaint with the School:
Use the Uniform Compliant Procedure
Contact Education Equity UCP Office
The Education Equity UCP Office (EEUCPO) at the California Department of Education is charged with ensuring compliance with State and Federal civil rights laws, and regulations as it relates to students and the educational process at local educational agencies. (916) 445-9174
Key Provisions of California Education Code §§ 200-220
General Anti-Discrimination Policy (§ 200-201)
- Education is a fundamental right in California.
- Public schools must provide a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for all students.
- Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on a protected characteristic are prohibited.
Protected Characteristics (§ 210.2, § 220)
California law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on:
- Race, ethnicity, and national origin
- Religion
- Gender, gender identity, and gender expression
- Sexual orientation
- Disability (physical or mental)
- Citizenship status
- Any other category protected under state or federal law
Scope of Protection (§ 201, § 220)
- Applies to all public schools, charter schools, and educational programs receiving state funding.
- Covers admissions, student discipline, athletics, academic programs, and extracurricular activities.
- Schools must take action against discrimination and harassment.
Gender and LGBTQ+ Protections (§ 210.7, § 221.5)
- Students have the right to participate in school activities and programs consistent with their gender identity.
- Schools must use a student’s preferred name and pronouns.
- Schools must provide access to facilities (such as restrooms and locker rooms) consistent with a student’s gender identity.
Disability Rights and Accommodations (§ 56300-56385)
- Students with disabilities must receive equal access to education and school programs.
- Schools must provide reasonable accommodations.
Complaint and Enforcement Process (§ 262.3, § 234.1-234.5)
- Students or parents can file complaints with the California Department of Education (CDE) if they experience discrimination.
- Schools are required to investigate and resolve complaints within 60 days.
Protecting Immigrant Students in Schools (CA Assembly Bill 699)
- Public schools cannot discriminate against students based on their actual or perceived citizenship/immigration status.
- Schools must provide equal access to education for all students, regardless of citizenship or documentation.
- This law extends protections under California Education Code §§ 200-220 to explicitly include immigration status as a protected characteristic.