Affirmative Action Officer
The Affirmative Action Officer has the responsibility to coordinate and implement the district’s efforts to comply with the regulations of N.J.A.C. 6A:7 and to promote a working and learning environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. This person also serves as the district’s Title IX Coordinator (Prohibiting Sexual Discrimination in Education).

Darlene Markman
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum
(201) 385-6250
dmarkman@bergenfield.org

Steps to File an Affirmative Action Grievance
If you think you experienced discrimination:

• Fill out the grievance form.
• Contact the Affirmative Action Officer listed above for an appointment.
• There will be an intake session and an investigation will be launched.
• The results/conclusion of this investigation will be sent to you in writing.
• You are guaranteed confidentiality, but not anonymity, as witnesses must be questioned.

Appeal Process

• If unsatisfied with the results of the results of the Affirmative Action investigation, the grievant may appeal to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.
• If unsatisfied with the superintendent or his/her designee's decision, the grievant may appeal to the Board of Education.
• If unsatisfied with the Board's decision, the grievant may appeal to the Executive County Superintendent.
• The grievant has the right to by-pass this process and appeal directly to the:
  • Commissioner of Education;
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission;
  • U.S. Office of Civil Rights;
  • U.S. Department of Education; or
  • N.J. Division of Civil Rights