“Today’s resolution with Española Public Schools addresses serious noncompliance with Title IX that left district students vulnerable to sexual harassment by employees. The agreement commits the district to fulfill its civil rights obligations to ensure that all its students can learn safely and free from sex discrimination,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon. “OCR looks forward to active work with the district to ensure its full compliance with Title IX.”
ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (KRQE) – Española Public Schools have reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education over sexual harassment complaints.
The department’s Office for Civil Rights said the district failed to respond to reports of sexual assaults by employees and students.
One case in 2019 involved a teacher touching students.
Another centered on a teacher sexually assaulting a student with disabilities in 2021. Under the agreement, the district must implement a new policy on complaints and investigations and provide age-appropriate training for students and staff.