The Nantucket Public Schools district is responding to a civil rights and Title IX complaint against an athletic coach.
The school has a completed a “thorough investigation” of the complaint in recent weeks which determined that there was no evidence of a direct violation of students’ civil rights or of Title IX, the federal law which prohibits discrimination in educational programs and activities, according to a letter sent to the school community Thursday.
“There were concerns around inappropriate behavior towards students, and this individual has been put on strict notice that any further complaints could result in disciplinary action or termination,” according to the letter, which was signed by Superintendent Beth Hallett, Director of Athletics Travis Lombardi, and Director of Special Services Debra Gately, who also serves as the schools’ Civil Rights and Title IX Officer.
It’s not clear when the complaint was filed or the nature of the specific allegations. Hallett declined a request for an interview, citing privacy concerns.
“Due to the need for privacy to protect those involved, I am unable to share any additional information with you beyond what is shared in the letter,” Hallett said.
School Committee Chair Dr. Tim Lepore said he just found about about the complaint when he received the letter from Hallett on Wednesday, and does not know any of the specific allegations.
“This experience has given Nantucket Public Schools strong reason to reinforce our strict policies around civil rights and Title IX,” the three administrators wrote in their letter. “It is our primary responsibility to protect the physical, social and emotional health of all of our students, both inside and outside of the classroom. We do not condone any behavior that could compromise the safety and well-being of children, and retaliatory action of any kind would not be tolerated in any way.”
While the school district mandates that all staff members complete training around civil rights and Title IX, the administration stated that it will be providing the Athletic Department specifically with “more advanced training in the immediate future around sexual discrimination.”
