The School Board does not unlawfully discriminate against any person on the basis of gender, age, race, religious creed, color, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or disability in the educational programs or activities which it operates or in the employment of personnel and does not tolerate any such discrimination. Complaints alleging violation of this policy shall be made to the Equal Employment Officer (EEO) at 75 North Pace Boulevard, Pensacola, Florida 32505.

Any person, student or employee who believes that he or she has suffered unlawful discrimination or harassment shall immediately report the incident(s) to his or her teacher, guidance counselor, coach, dean, assistant principal, principal, Equal Employment Officer, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resource Services or the Superintendent.

The formal complaint procedure shall be started by filing a written or oral complaint as set forth below within sixty (60) days of the alleged discriminatory act. The EEO shall be responsible for making a thorough investigation of the matter and making recommendations for remedial or affirmative action.  All information gathered will remain confidential until conclusion of the investigation. An alleged victim of employment discrimination who does not file a complaint may request that all records relating to the allegation of employment discrimination be designated confidential and exempt from public disclosure.

Step 1

• The complainant shall present the matter in writing or orally to the EEO stating
  • The nature of the problem;
  • The date, time and location of the alleged discrimination;
  • The persons involved;
  • Efforts, if any, and results to solve the problem prior to filing the written complaint
• The EEO shall provide the respondent with a copy of the complaint.  Within ten (10) days of the receipt of the complaint, the EEO shall notify the complainant, respondent, and the immediate supervisor, in writing of the recommendation for resolving the matter.  If the complaint is resolved and no further action is requested in writing or orally within five days of receipt of the Step 1 recommendation, the matter shall be considered closed.

Step 2

• The complainant may in writing or orally to the EEO request a conference within five (5) days of receipt of the Step 1 recommendation. This conference shall be held within ten (10) days after the receipt of the written/oral request. The following shall attend:
  • the Superintendent or designee
  • the complainant
  • EEO Officer
  • the immediate supervisor or designee
  • A person mutually agreed upon by the respondent and the EEO Officer
• Within five (5) days following the conference, the Superintendent or designee shall notify the complainant and respondent in writing by hand delivery or certified mail the recommendation for resolving the matter.

Step 3

• The complainant may in writing or orally to the Superintendent request a hearing before the School Board within five (5) days after receipt of the Step 2 recommendation.  After receipt of such request, a hearing shall be scheduled at the earliest possible date.  The complainant and respondent may at their expense have legal representation for this hearing.
• Within ten (10) days following the hearing, the Chair of the School Board shall notify the complainant and respondent in writing by hand delivery or certified mail the the School Board's recommendation for resolving the matter.

For questions or more information about Affirmative Action, please contact Melia Adams, EEO Coordinator, at (850) 469-6102.