Help After Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, or Gender-Based Violence

Anyone who has knowledge of or who has experienced sexual assault , sexual harassment, or gender-based harm is encouraged to report it.

Reports can be made verbally or in writing:

• Verbally reports can be made to:
  • A trusted adult, whether a school counselor, administrator, or teacher 
  • The BVSD Title IX Coordinator: 720-561-8091
• Written reports can be made by: 
  • Filling out the district’s Complaint Form
  • Emailing TitleIX@bvsd.org 
  • Making a Safe2Tell report
  • Mailing a summary of the incident to:
    Boulder Valley School District
    Education Center
    6500 Arapahoe Road
    Boulder, CO 80303
    ATTN: Title IX Coordinator

What to know about making a report:

• All school and district staff are mandated reporters. This means that they are required by law to report abuse of students or other people under the age of 18 to Child Protective Services and, in some cases, the police.  
• Parents must be notified when reports are made.  
• Under certain circumstances, complainants (victims) cannot remain anonymous. This is because the law requires BVSD to provide students accused of misconduct with due process, which ensures a fair investigation and fair outcome that respects the rights of all involved. 
• Specific complaint procedures have been established for students, guardians, and employees and depend on the nature of the allegation. Reports of sexual violence and serious incidents of harassment are processed under Policy AC-R-2. All other reports are investigated using the investigation steps outlined in Policy JDHB (students) or Policy AC-R (employees).
• All students are entitled to Supportive Measures which are services and supports designed to restore or preserve equal access to education or employment Supportive Measures can range from support plans to mental health services to academic accommodations.  
• Disciplinary action against the student accused of misconduct cannot take place unless and until a school investigation has been completed.   

There is no statue of limitations for reporting sex discrimination and/or harassment. However, BVSD encourages reporting as soon as possible so an investigation can be initiated and the impacted parties can receive appropriate support.

1. Support is provided:

• Impacted students and/or employees receive support from their school administrator or immediate supervisor after a report is received.
• Those supports are documented, shared via email, remain in place during the investigation and can be changed.

2. Connection to Title IX Coordinator:

• Reports of sexual assault and severe/pervasive harassment are handled under a federal law called Title IX.
• Students/guardians or employees who report an incident that falls under Title IX will be connected directly with the BVSD Title IX Coordinator who will explain your rights, including how to file a complaint against the alleged offender. 

3. Mandatory Reporting :

• If you are a student and you report something that constitutes child abuse (such as an incident of sexual violence), the school must make a report to the police or child protective services.

4. Investigation is conducted:

• BVSD must act quickly to investigate after receiving a report.
• Investigations may include interviews with students, employees, and witnesses, and a review of other kinds of evidence like video footage, messages (including social media direct messages/SMS texts), or emails.
• Title IX reports are investigated by the District (view the investigation overview and timeline) using the process outlined in BVSD AC-R-2.
• Non-Title IX reports are investigated at the school or department level by the school administrator or department supervisor using the process outlined in BVSD Policy JDHB (for students) or Policy AC-R (for employees).
• An outcome will be shared within 45 school or work days of receiving the report.

Please note - You do not need to know which process or policy applies to your situation. If you have experienced sex-based harassment, violence, or discrimination report what happened. We will guide you through the right process and support you along the way.  

5. Under limited circumstances, you can appeal the outcome: 

• You may ask for someone to reconsider the outcome of an investigation by following the process outlined in BVSD Policy AC-R-2 (for Title IX) or BVSD Policy AC-R (for all other reports of sex-based harassment).
• Appeals must be submitted in writing within 10 school or work days of the decision.
• Appeals are available if:
  • there was a procedural irregularity
  • bias or a conflict of interest impacted the outcome of the investigation or
  • new evidence was not reasonably available at the time of the investigation.

6. Action is taken to repair and remedy the school or work environment:

• Based on the investigation results, the administrator and/or supervisor will take appropriate action to address the report and repair the school or work environment.
• This may include discipline,  restorative practices, and supportive measures.
• Due to federal privacy laws, there are limits to the kind of information BVSD can share during the course of an investigation, including disciplinary action.
  • These limitations are not an attempt to hide an outcome and do not indicate that nothing was done in response to the report. We understand this can be frustrating, but please know that action is taken when reports are made.

• Title IX obligates BVSD to address any impact of sexual misconduct that interferes with a student or employee’s ability to access their education or employment.
• When allegations that have been reported to BVSD are also being investigated by law enforcement, BVSD will collaborate with law enforcement in order to minimize potential trauma for students and employees.
• Most often, BVSD does this by, among other things, incorporating into its Title IX investigation information in police reports, juvenile petitions, and information shared by the DA’s office while also providing due process to the involved parties as required by the U.S. Department of Education rules and regulations governing school districts.
• While law enforcement investigations and any related legal proceedings are being conducted, the School District’s focus is on implementing supportive measures to support and keep students safe.

As educators, we care deeply about the safety and wellbeing of our students, which is why it is incredibly important that we take our obligation to report child abuse and neglect seriously.

If you have reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or have observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect. 

Report Child Abuse or Neglect

• You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
• You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
• You have the right to contact the Colorado Department of Education to access information on sex-based discrimination, harassment, and Title IX.
• You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights (OCR), the federal agency that enforces Title IX, if you believe BVSD has  discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment by BVSD on the basis of your sex. Learn how to file a discrimination complaint with the OCR.
• You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against by BVSD for its failure to meet its Title IX obligations.
• You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you report sex-discrimination or harassment or file a complaint against BVSD for violating your rights.
• Title IX and Sex Discrimination (U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights)

i. The Title IX process is initiated when the reported behavior is: 1) severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive sex-based harassment; 2) sexual violence; or 3) quid pro quo AND a formal complaint is filed by either the impacted party or BVSD.

ii. Anyone reporting Title IX behaviors will be contacted by the BVSD Title IX Coordinator to discuss next steps and the formal complaint process. 

iii. If a formal complaint is filed, BVSD completes a Title IX investigation. 

iv. During the investigation, both parties have the right to an advisor of their choice while the investigation is pending and an equal opportunity to present witnesses and evidence. Advisors can be friends, family members, mentors, advocates or attorneys who help review evidence/reports, provide support, and offer guidance. Advisors may not directly participate in the investigation process.

v. Before finalizing the investigation report, both parties are given 10 days to inspect, review, and respond to: 1) the evidence directly related to the allegations; and 2) the investigation report.

vi. The final written report is submitted to a trained, neutral decision-maker (usually an administrator) who then provides the parties an opportunity to exchange written questions. 

vii. The decision-maker reviews the evidence, the report, and the answers to the written questions to determine if a violation occurred. The outcome is shared with both parties and includes recommendations for restoration and ongoing supportive measures.

viii. Both parties have the right to appeal the decision based on procedural irregularities, new evidence, or bias.

CONTENT WARNING: The content below will discuss topics, occasionally with strong and specific language, that may evoke a strong emotional response.  Examples are included that some find triggering and all may find upsetting.  Please take care while reading on!
Title IX prohibits the following types of sex-discrimination, as defined in BVSD Policy AC-R2:

• Hostile Environment Harassment: Unwelcome sex-based conduct that, based on the totality of the circumstances, is subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the an educational program or activity (i.e. creates a hostile environment).
• Quid Pro Quo Harassment: A district employee, agent, or other individual authorized by the district to provide an aid, benefit, or service in the district's education program or activity conditioning the provision of district aid, benefit, or service on a student's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
• Sexual Assault: Any sexual act, including rape, sodomy, sexual assault with an object, incest, statutory rape, or fondling that occurs without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent due to age or mental or physical incapacity. 
• Dating Violence: Violence committed by an individual who is in or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the complainant.
• Domestic Violence: Felony or misdemeanor crimes committed by an individual who is a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the complainant; or who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the complainant; or who shares a child in common with the complainant; or who commits acts against a youth or adult complainant who is protected from those acts under the family or domestic violence laws of the state of Colorado. 
• Stalking:  Engaging in a course of conduct on the basis of sex or gender that is directed at a specific individual and that would cause a reasonable individual to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or to suffer substantial emotional distress. 

All About Title IX Poster (English) (Spanish)

BVSD Title IX One-page Resource

BVSD Complaint Form (English) (Spanish) 

Office for Civil Rights Complaint Form

If there is immediate threat to your child or others, call 911 immediately.

Safe2Tell
877-542-SAFE (7233)

National Sexual Assault Telephone and Online Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Colorado Crisis Services
1-844-493-8255
Text "TALK" to 38255

Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA)
303-443-7300
Text “BRAVE” to 20121 

Boulder County Victim Assistance Resources

Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA)

Equal Rights Advocates:  Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Guide for Students

RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

Sex-Based Harassment (Colorado Department of Education)

Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center (SAVA)

State of Colorado Sexual Assault Programs

It is essential that students and staff members have the confidence that the Boulder Valley School District will do everything in its power to protect victims and to take action against misconduct.

Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity (English) (Spanish)

Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity: Complaint/Grievance and Compliance Process (English) (Spanish)

Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity: Complaint/Grievance and Compliance Form (English) (Spanish)

Bullying (English) (Spanish)

Annual Required Staff Training
(Users will need to create a Public School Works account to view staff trainings)

• Title IX: Protecting Students and School Employees from Sexual Harassment (General Awareness)
• Title IX: Additional Information for Coordinators, Investigators and Decision-Makers
• Title IX: How To Investigate And Adjudicate Formal Complaints
• Title IX: Informal Resolution Process

Additional  Related District-level Trainings by Year

2025-26

• Community Schools
• Administrator Investigation Training
• Administrators and School Counselors
• 296 Compliance regarding bullying, harassment, and discrimination (Users will need to create a Public School Works account to view this training)

2023-24

• Community Schools
• Food Services
• Athletics and Activities

2022-23

• Equity Compliance (Title VI, VII, IX)
• Legal Issues in Equity
• PSW Training for Website

2021-22

• Students and Title IX (Sept.15, 2021)
• District Leadership Team Title IX Training
• School Safety Advocate Title IX Training

2020-21

• Vortex Bootcamp: School Conduct, Investigations, Discipline and Related Legal Obligations

You can get involved in the following ways:

• Connect with a school-based student group that works to elevate student voice, such as the Student Council or your school GSA.
• If you are a student, you can join the BVSD Youth Equity Council.  Students participating in the council play an advisory role to the district with a shared goal of elevating student voices and leadership. High school and middle school students are encouraged to apply to the Youth Equity Council. 
• If you are an adult, you can join the BVSD Title IX Advisory Council. The Advisory Council was established to create a partnership between the district and the community regarding issues of sex-based discrimination and harassment within BVSD.