Just Resolution Protocol
Discrimination Claims Based on Race, Ethnicity, National Origin, Immigration Status, Religion, and/or Disability
What is the Just Resolution Protocol?
Race, Ethnicity, National Origin, Immigration Status, Religion, and/or Disability
Led by the Human Resources Department and the Office of Equity, the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) uses the Just Resolution Protocol to address and resolve cases of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, religion, and/or disability within the school district.
It provides a structured process for filing complaints, conducting investigations, determining sanctions, and handling appeals. This ensures that all incidents are handled fairly, consistently, and in compliance with district policies and regulations.
Please note that gender- or sex-based discrimination or harassment may be subject to the Title IX Grievance Process; and bullying is subject to the processes in the district's Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan.
JRP Process
A diagram outlining the Just Resolution Protocol, the process in which claims of discrimination violations are investigated by the Worcester Public Schools.
Step 1: Formal Complaint is Issued
To initiate the Just Resolution Protocol (JRP) process, individuals who have experienced or witnessed any form of discrimination are encouraged to submit a formal complaint. This includes cases involving discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, religion, and/or disability.
Individuals should use the district's electronic Discrimination Report Form to file their complaint. This form ensures that all necessary information is collected efficiently. Submitting a formal complaint through this system is a crucial first step in addressing and investigating the reported discrimination, ensuring the issue is documented and handled according to district policies and procedures.
Step 2: Notification of Parties
All parties involved are notified.
Step 3: Investigation
A thorough investigation is conducted to gather facts and evidence regarding reported discrimination or Title IX violations. This process includes various steps to ensure a comprehensive and fair examination of the incident. The investigation can be conducted at either the school level or the district level, depending on the nature and scope of the complaint.
Step 4: Preliminary Investigation Report
Once all interviews and evidence collection are completed, a preliminary report is produced. From this preliminary report, the decision-makers— the principal at the school level and the assistant superintendent for personnel engagement and equity at the district level—determine whether the respondent is responsible or not responsible.
If Found Responsible: Sanctions
When a Just Resolution Protocol (JRP) investigation concludes, and a faculty, staff member, or student is found responsible for misconduct, appropriate sanctions are determined to address the violation. Sanctioning aims to address the behavior, provide education, and maintain a safe and respectful environment within the school community. The sanctioning process varies based on whether the individual is a faculty/staff member or a student.
Sanctioning for Faculty and Staff
If a faculty or staff member is found responsible for a violation at the conclusion of a JRP investigation, sanctions are determined by the appropriate school or district authorities. School-level investigations result in sanctions decided by the principal. District-level investigations result in sanctions decided by the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel, Engagement, and Equity. Sanctions may include:
Appeal Process
The Just Resolution Protocol (JRP) appeal process allows both the complainant and the respondent in a JRP investigation to challenge the findings or sanctions imposed. Appeals can be submitted if there are grounds based on procedural errors, new evidence, or concerns about the appropriateness of the sanctions. The specific processes for students and faculty/staff are outlined below.
Alternative Resolution
When a final "Just Resolution Protocol" (JRP) report identifies an individual or a party as responsible for discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, religion, and/or disability, alternative solutions to traditional sanctioning can be effective. These alternatives emphasize healing, understanding, and personal growth, rather than punishment alone. Two key approaches are Restorative Justice Circles and Mediation Sessions.