The Box Elder School District has issued a formal disclosure outlining its policies on civil rights, employment equality, and student discipline. The district's policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status across all educational programs, facilities, and district-sponsored activities.
Civil Rights Oversight
Under the district's civil rights policy, any individual who initiates a good faith complaint regarding these protections will not face retaliatory measures. The district has established specific coordinators to monitor and coordinate compliance with Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other applicable state and federal civil rights laws.
Compliance and Coordination
Coerina Fife serves as the ADA Coordinator for employment issues and is also the coordinator for Title IX compliance, civil rights, and sexual harassment, as well as gender-based discrimination in athletic programming. Megan Bushnell serves as the ADA Coordinator for student issues and the 504 Director. Both officials are located at the district's main office at 960 South Main in Brigham City, Utah.
To ensure effective investigation and resolution, the district requires that discrimination complaints be reported as soon as possible, but no later than 90 days after the incident or incidents occurred.
Grievance Procedures
The district has outlined a three-step local grievance procedure for those seeking to resolve civil rights or Section 504 issues. In the first step, a complainant must submit a signed written grievance to the appropriate coordinator, who must investigate and provide a written response within 10 business days.
If the complainant wishes to appeal a coordinator's decision, they may submit a signed statement of appeal to the Superintendent of Schools within 10 business days of receiving the initial response. The Superintendent is required to meet with all involved parties, formulate a conclusion, and provide a written response within 10 business days.
If the complainant remains unsatisfied, a final appeal can be made via a signed statement to the Box Elder School Board of Education within 10 business days of receiving the Superintendent's response. The Board will attempt to resolve the grievance by meeting with the concerned parties and their representatives within 40 days of the appeal, and a copy of the Board's decision must be sent to all parties within 10 business days of that meeting.
State and Federal Recourse
Complainants also have access to state and federal recourse. At the state level, individuals may contact the Educational Equity Coordinator at the Utah State Office of Education in Salt Lake City. Federally, complaints can be filed with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at any time during or after the local grievance process. The district provides contact information for the Denver Office of Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights in Washington, D.C.
Safety and Discipline
Regarding student safety and conduct, the Box Elder School District maintains a policy to promote a safe and orderly school environment. Criminal acts or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action from school administrators, the District Student Services Director, police referral, or prosecution. When determining appropriate discipline, officials will consider the severity of the offense, the individual's age, disability status, intent, academic status, and prior disciplinary record.
Extracurricular Participation
The district clarified that participation in extracurricular activities—including interscholastic athletics, cheerleading, marching band, student government, student clubs, and graduation ceremonies—is not a constitutionally protected civil right. Consequently, students who are suspended, transferred to an alternative placement, or expelled may lose the privilege of participating in these activities during their disciplinary period without the opportunity for due process to challenge the denial of participation.
Search and Seizure Rights
The disclosure also addresses student privacy and authority regarding search and seizure. School officials are authorized to search a student's person, personal property, or vehicle on school property or at school-sponsored activities if there is reason to believe the search will reveal evidence of a violation of law or school rules.
Furthermore, the district maintains that students have no right or expectation of privacy in school lockers, which remain the sole property of the Box Elder School District. School authorities may conduct periodic locker inspections, including the use of drug-detecting canines, at any time and without prior notice, student consent, or a search warrant.
