Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance
U.S. Eastern Time (Florida) · Last updated: August 2025
Commitment & Scope
Summit College Preparatory School guarantees equal access to every educational program and activity. Accordingly, our protections cover live classes, advising, assessments, communications, extracurricular forums, and school sponsored events whether virtual or in person. Moreover, we review off platform conduct when its effects create or worsen a hostile environment inside our program.
Governing Laws
We apply Title IX (sex-based discrimination), Title VI (race, color, national origin), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination Act. In addition, we protect education records under FERPA. When multiple frameworks overlap, we use the standard that most effectively safeguards equal access within our program.
Key Definitions (Plain Language)
Sex-based discrimination. Adverse treatment or denial of access based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, or related conditions.
Sexual harassment (Title IX). Quid pro quo by an employee; or unwelcome conduct that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive so that it effectively denies equal access; or sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined by law.
Hostile environment. A pattern or impact that meaningfully interferes with participation in our programs. Consequently, we evaluate the totality of circumstances and the resulting effect on learning.
Title IX Coordinator & Civil Rights Contact
Coordinator: Ana Mercedes Baez
Email: admin@summithighschool.org · Phone: +1 (727) 339-7339
Address: 7901 4th Street North, Suite 18025, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
The Coordinator receives reports, explains options, arranges supportive measures, and oversees investigations. Furthermore, the office publishes required notices, trains staff, and monitors timelines so the process remains prompt and fair.
How to Report
Emergency first. If anyone faces immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Afterwards, notify the Coordinator.
Quick channels. You may report by email, phone, or written notice. Students, parents, employees, and third parties may submit concerns; anonymous reports receive a good-faith review.
Rapid response. We acknowledge reports promptly, outline next steps, and offer supportive measures even when you do not file a formal complaint. Because we operate in U.S. Eastern Time, all notices and deadlines reflect EST/EDT.
Supportive Measures
We arrange individualized, non-disciplinary services that restore or preserve access. For example, we can adjust deadlines, issue no-contact directives, modify advising schedules, coordinate technology accommodations, or make referrals. These measures remain available before, during, and after any process, and they do not require a formal complaint.
Investigation & Determination
Notice of allegations. When a formal complaint is filed, we deliver written notice that explains the allegations, rights, and steps ahead.
Impartial fact-finding. Trained personnel gather relevant information and share it for review. Each party may submit information and respond; consequently, the record reflects a complete picture.
Standard of evidence. We apply the standard identified in the Student & Parent Handbook consistently to all parties.
Reasoned outcome. A decision-maker issues a written determination with findings and rationale. If responsibility is found, we implement remedies promptly and monitor their effectiveness.
Promptness. We track milestones and communicate updates so the process moves forward without unnecessary delay.
Informal Resolution
With written consent from all parties, and when appropriate, we may offer an informal resolution after a formal complaint is filed. However, this pathway is unavailable when a student alleges sexual harassment by an employee. Before anyone decides, the Coordinator explains options, safeguards, and potential outcomes.
Emergency Removal
In rare circumstances, and only after an individualized safety and risk assessment, we may remove a respondent from an education program or activity on an emergency basis. We then provide notice and a prompt opportunity to challenge the decision.
Appeals
Parties may appeal a dismissal or determination based on specific grounds, including procedural irregularity that affected the outcome, new evidence not reasonably available earlier, or bias or conflict of interest. Appeal instructions accompany the decision letter, and we assign a different trained decision-maker.
Privacy & Anti-Retaliation
We protect privacy consistent with law and policy. Likewise, we prohibit retaliation against anyone who reports, participates, or chooses not to participate. If retaliation occurs, we address it under our conduct standards and implement further protective measures as needed.
Accommodations & Inclusive Access
Disability access. We offer reasonable accommodations under Section 504/ADA, such as extended time, alternative formats, assistive technology, or modified testing conditions.
Pregnancy & parenting. Title IX protects students during pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions. Therefore, we provide reasonable adjustments and equal academic access, including make-up work when appropriate.
Religious observance. When feasible, we accommodate sincerely held religious practices and still maintain essential academic requirements.
Language support. Upon request, we can communicate in Spanish, French, German, or Chinese so families understand their options clearly.
Training, Posting & Recordkeeping
We train personnel with Title IX or civil-rights duties on their specific roles. In addition, we publish this page, post the Coordinator’s contact details, and include procedures in the Student & Parent Handbook. We retain reports, outcomes, appeal records, and training materials in line with legal requirements, and we monitor retention periods on a fixed schedule.
Related Policies & Resources
Non-Discrimination Policy
View Non-Discrimination Policy - protections, reporting, and equal access.
Registrar & Records
Visit Registrar - transcripts, enrollment verification, official records.
Data Protection & Rights
Data Protection & Rights - privacy practices and data requests.
Student & Parent Handbook
Open Handbook - conduct, academics, and community standards.
Academic Model
Academic Model & Instruction - approach, mentoring, assessment.
Civil Rights Contact
admin@summithighschool.org · +1 (727) 339-7339
7901 4th Street North, Suite 18025, St. Petersburg, FL 33702