FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
?
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
John L. Winn
Commissioner of Education
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
Members
DONNA G. CALLAWAY
JULIA L. JOHNSON
ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
PHOEBE RAULERSON
LINDA K. TAYLOR
MEMORANDUM
TO:
District Superintendents/Community College Presidents
FROM:
Monica Hayes, Director
SUBJECT:
Responsibilities of Equity Coordinators
DATE:
August 10, 2005
As we begin another fiscal year, please be reminded that each district and community college is
required by state and federal laws (Florida Educational Equity Act; Rule 6A-19.010(1)(g); FAC;
Title IX: 106.8(a); Section 504: 104(a); American with Disabilities Act: 35.107(a); Vocational
Guidelines: IV-O and the Non-discrimination on the basis of Age: 110.25(a)) to designate a
person or persons to coordinate compliance with the laws prohibiting discrimination for
protected classes and related regulations. The laws also mandate that notification of the identity
and contact information of the designated person should be publicized widely. The Office of
Equity and Access (OEA) works with the designated equity person on a variety of issues,
including the writing of the Annual Equity Report for ultimate transmission to the Commissioner
of Education.
Many equity coordinators/officers have expressed that they would be able to perform their job
duties better if they received more support and empowerment from their institutions. We are
asking you to address this concern by ensuring that your equity coordinators/officers are given
the opportunity to attend the two annual statewide conferences (Spring and Fall) organized by
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MONICA HAYES, DIRECTOR
K-20 OFFICE OF EQUITY AND ACCESS
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1446 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0511 • www.fldoe.org
District Superintendents/Community College Presidents
August 10, 2005
Page 2
In addition, the equity coordinators/officers need the cooperation of other staff members to
obtain information relevant to compliance monitoring and the authority to enforce compliance
actions.
Please note that the Fall 2005 Conference is scheduled for October 12-14, 2005. The conference
will be held at the St. Petersburg Hilton, 333 1
st
Street South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. We
are inviting you or a designee to attend this conference, in addition to the equity
coordinators/officers and other staff persons who are involved in equity in education issues.
Your presence will further demonstrate your commitment to equity and access issues. Attached
is a copy of the draft agenda.
You may contact me at (850) 245.0511, or by e-mail at monica.hayes@fldoe.org, if you have
questions.
MH:ls
