Schedule

Beyond the Binary: Supporting Gender Diverse Students at School

Wednesday, January 10th
10:15 am to 11:45 am
Room: Santa Rosa Ballroom

LAW FIRM SESSION
The passage of Education Code section 221.5(f) reinforced existing law applicable to gender diverse students at school and ignited a state-wide conversation about school districts’ obligation to provide a safe and secure learning environment for all students that is ongoing today – including key issues related to names and pronouns, maintenance of records, privacy concerns, accessibility to single-sex facilities, dress codes, discipline, bullying, harassment and discrimination, and participation in physical education and extra-curricular athletics. This presentation will review practices that have been implemented in local educational agencies across the state and discuss guidelines for administrators to fully comply with the letter and spirit of the law in supporting diverse student populations.

PRESENTERS
Pamela Townsend, Attorney, Dannis Woliver Kelley
Amanda Johnston, Attorney, Dannis Woliver Kelley

Through the Looking Glass: Title IX and Student Discipline

Wednesday, January 10th
2:15 pm to 3:30 pm
Room: JW Pavilion

LAW FIRM SESSION
The 2020 Title IX regulations – and soon to be released new Title IX regulations – challenge school administrators because they don’t fit the traditional school disciplinary model or Education Code timelines. Extensive due process rights for Respondents translate to long delays between when an incident occurs and when a Respondent may face consequences. Site administrators may not identify a Title IX case when an incident arises, or how it should be processed, and have to coordinate multiple overlapping procedural requirements if they wish to impose discipline. This presentation will help administrators navigate through the procedural landmines at the start and end of the Title IX complaint process. 

PRESENTERS
Amy Levine, Shareholder Attorney, Dannis Woliver Kelley
Lise K. Strom. Title IX / Uniform Complaint Procedure Coordinator Equity Compliance Officer, Santa Clara USD

ERMHS Assessments and Services for LGBTQ+ Students

Thursday, January 11th
10:15 am to 11:45 am
Room: Santa Rosa Ballroom

LAW FIRM SESSION
Mental health is an ongoing area of focus and development for all students in school districts’ diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ youth. For students who are currently, or are suspected to be, eligible under the IDEA, school psychologists and other mental health professionals are regularly conducting mental health assessments as part of considering eligibility and/or continued review and development of a student’s services and supports. This presentation will discuss best practices for school districts to appropriately assess LGBTQ+ students and provide them the services and supports they need while avoiding historical misunderstandings surrounding sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

PRESENTERS
Pamela Townsend, Attorney at Law, Dannis Woliver Kelley
Alicia Arman, Attorney at Law, Dannis Woliver Kelley