STUDENT ANTI-HARASSMENT

STUDENT ANTI-HARASSMENT

po5517Adopted November 2, 2009Revised February 19, 2024

5517 - STUDENT ANTI-HARASSMENT

Prohibited Harassment

It is the policy of the Board to maintain an educational environment that is free from all forms of harassment. This commitment applies to all District operations, programs, and activities. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and reporting any form of harassment. This policy applies to conduct occurring in any manner or setting over which the Board can exercise control, including on school property, or at another location if such conduct occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board.

The Board will not tolerate any form of harassment and will take all necessary and appropriate actions to eliminate it, including suspension or expulsion of students and disciplinary action against any other individual in the School District community. Additionally, appropriate action will be taken to stop and otherwise deal with any third party who engages in harassment against our students.

The Board will vigorously enforce its prohibition against harassment based on the traits of sex (including gender status, change of sex, or gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights laws (hereinafter referred to as "Protected Classes") and encourages those within the School District community, as well as Third Parties, who feel aggrieved to seek assistance to rectify such problems. Additionally, the Board prohibits harassing behavior directed at students for any reason, even if not based on one of the Protected Classes, through its policies on bullying (see Policy 5517.01 – Bullying).

The District will offer counseling services to any person found to have been subjected to harassment and, where appropriate, the person(s) who committed the harassment.

Harassment may occur student-to-student, student-to-staff, staff-to-student, male-to-female, female-to-male, male-to-male, or female-to-female. The Board will investigate all allegations of harassment and, in those cases where harassment is substantiated, the Board will take immediate steps designed to end the harassment, prevent its reoccurrence, and remedy its effects. Individuals who are found to have engaged in harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Other Violations of the Anti-Harassment Policy

The Board will also take immediate steps to impose disciplinary action on individuals engaging in any of the following prohibited acts:

  1. retaliating against a person who has made a report or filed a complaint alleging harassment, or who has participated as a witness in a harassment investigation;

  2. filing a malicious or knowingly false report or complaint of harassment;

  3. disregarding, failing to investigate adequately, or delaying investigation of allegations of harassment, when responsibility for reporting and/or investigating harassment charges comprises part of one's duties

Sexual Harassment covered by Policy 2266 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities (i.e., sexual harassment prohibited by Title IX) is not included in this policy. Allegations of such conduct shall be addressed solely by Policy 2266 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities.

Notice

Notice of the Board's policy on anti-harassment in the educational environment and the identity of the District's Compliance Officers will be posted throughout the District and published in any District statement regarding the availability of employment, staff handbooks, and general information publications of the District as required by Federal and State law and this policy.

Definitions

Words used in this policy shall have those meanings defined herein; words not defined herein shall be construed according to their plain and ordinary meanings.

Complainant is the individual who alleges, or is alleged, to have been subjected to harassment, regardless of whether the person files a formal complaint or is pursuing an informal resolution to the alleged harassment.

Day(s) unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “day” or “days” as used in this policy means business day(s) (i.e., a day(s) that the District office is open for normal operating hours, Monday – Friday, excluding State-recognized holidays).

Respondent is the individual who has been alleged to have engaged in harassment, regardless of whether the Reporting Party files a formal complaint or is seeking an informal resolution to the alleged harassment.

School District community means students and Board employees (i.e., administrators and professional and classified staff), as well as Board members, agents, volunteers, contractors, or other persons subject to the control and supervision of the Board.

Third Parties include, but are not limited to, guests and/or visitors on School District property (e.g., visiting speakers, participants on opposing athletic teams, parents), vendors doing business with or seeking to do business with the Board, and other individuals who come in contact with members of the School District community at school-related events/activities (whether on or off District property).

Bullying

Bullying is prohibited by Board Policy 5517.01 – Bullying. It is defined as deliberate or intentional behavior using words or actions, intended to cause fear, intimidation, or harm. Bullying may be a repeated behavior and involves an imbalance of power. Furthermore, it may be serious enough to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical, or emotional well-being. Bullying need not be based on any Protected Class. Bullying behavior rises to the level of harassment when the prohibited conduct is based upon the student’s sex (including gender status, change of sex, or gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights. Complaints brought under this policy that are more appropriately handled under the Bullying policy shall be referred for investigation consistent with the procedures in that policy.

Bullying that rises to the level of Sexual Harassment is covered by Policy 2266 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities (i.e., sexual harassment prohibited by Title IX) and is not included in this policy. Allegations of such conduct shall be addressed solely by Policy 2266 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities.

Harassment

Harassment means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal, or physical conduct directed against a student or group of students based on one (1) or more of the student’s or group of students' Protected Class that:

  1. places a student or group of students in reasonable fear of harm to their person or damage to their property;

  2. has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's or group of students'  educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or

  3. has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.

“Harassment” also includes “hate speech” directed against a student or group of students  —the use of language, behavior, or images/symbols that express prejudice against a particular group or groups on the basis of any protected characteristic(s).

Examples are:

  1. making statements that promote violence toward a racial or ethnic group;
  2. drawing, displaying, or posting images or symbols of prejudice (e.g., swastikas).

Sexual Harassment

For purposes of this policy and consistent with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, "sexual harassment" is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct, or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:

  1. submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of access to educational opportunities or program;

  2. submission or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual's education;

  3. that conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual's education or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

Sexual harassment may involve the behavior of a person of any gender against a person of the same or another gender.

Prohibited acts that constitute sexual harassment under this policy may take a variety of forms. Examples of the kinds of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

  1. unwelcome verbal harassment or abuse;

  2. unwelcome pressure for sexual activity;

  3. threats or insinuations that a person's employment, wages, academic grade, promotion, classroom work or assignments, academic status, participation in athletics or extra-curricular programs, activities, or events, or other conditions of employment or education may be adversely affected by not submitting to sexual advances;

  4. unwelcome verbal expressions, including graphic sexual commentaries about a person's body, dress, appearance, or sexual activities; the unwelcome use of sexually degrading language, profanity, jokes, or innuendoes; unwelcome suggestive or insulting sounds or whistles; obscene telephone calls and obscene gestures;

  5. sexually suggestive objects, pictures, graffiti, videos, posters, audio recordings, or literature placed in the work or educational environment that may reasonably embarrass or offend individuals;

  6. unwelcome, sexually motivated, or inappropriate patting, pinching, or physical contact, other than necessary restraint of students by teachers, administrators, or other school personnel to avoid physical harm to persons or property;

  7. unwelcome sexual behavior or words including demands for sexual favors, accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning an individual's educational status;

  8. unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual favors, accompanied by implied or overt promises of preferential treatment with regard to an individual's educational status;

  9. unwelcome behavior or words directed at an individual because of gender;

    Examples are:

    1. repeatedly asking a person for dates or sexual behavior after the person has indicated no interest;

    2. rating a person's sexuality or attractiveness;

    3. staring or leering at various parts of another person's body;

    4. spreading rumors about a person's sexuality;

    5. letters, notes, telephone calls, or materials of a sexual nature;

    6. displaying pictures, calendars, cartoons, or other materials with sexual content.

  10. inappropriate boundary invasions by a District employee or other adult member of the District community into a student's personal space and personal life;

    Boundary invasions may be appropriate or inappropriate. Appropriate boundary invasions make medical or educational sense. For example, a teacher or aide assisting a kindergartner after a toileting accident or a coach touching a student during wrestling or football can be appropriate. However, other behaviors might be going too far, are inappropriate, and may be signs of sexual grooming.

    Inappropriate boundary invasions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

    1. hugging, kissing, or other physical contact with a student;

    2. telling sexual jokes to students;

    3. engaging in talk containing sexual innuendo or banter with students;

    4. talking about sexual topics that are not related to the curriculum;

    5. showing pornography to a student;

    6. taking an undue interest in a student (i.e. having a "special friend" or a "special relationship");

    7. initiating or extending contact with students beyond the school day for personal purposes;

    8. using e-mail, text messaging, or websites to discuss personal topics or interests with students;

    9. giving students rides in the staff member's personal vehicle or taking students on personal outings without administrative approval;

    10. invading a student's privacy (e.g. walking in on the student in the bathroom or locker room, asking about bra sizes or previous sexual experiences);

    11. going to a student's home for non-educational purposes;

    12. inviting students to the staff member's home without proper chaperones (i.e. another staff member or parent of a student);

    13. giving gifts or money to a student for no legitimate educational purpose;

    14. accepting gifts or money from a student for no legitimate educational purpose;

    15. being overly "touchy" with students;

    16. favoring certain students by inviting them to come to the classroom at non-class times;

    17. getting a student out of class to visit with the staff member;

    18. providing advice to or counseling a student regarding a personal problem (i.e. problems related to sexual behavior, substance abuse, mental or physical health, and/or family relationships, etc.) unless properly licensed and authorized to do so;

    19. talking to a student about problems that would normally be discussed with adults (i.e. marital issues);

    20. being alone with a student behind closed doors without a legitimate educational purpose;

    21. telling a student "secrets" and having "secrets" with a student.

Inappropriate boundary invasions are prohibited and must be reported promptly to one (1) of the District Compliance Officers, as designated in this policy, the building principal, or the District Administrator.

  1. a pattern of conduct, which can be subtle in nature, that has sexual overtones and is intended to create or has the effect of creating discomfort and/or humiliation to another;

  2. verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping that does not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

It is further the policy of the Board that a sexual relationship between staff and students is not permissible in any form or under any circumstances, in or out of the workplace, in that it interferes with the educational process and may involve elements of coercion by reason of the relative status of a staff member to a student.

Not all behavior with sexual connotations constitutes sexual harassment. Sex-based or gender-based conduct must be sufficiently severe, pervasive, and persistent such that it adversely affects, limits, or denies an individual's education, or such that it creates a hostile or abusive educational environment, or such that it is intended to, or has the effect of, denying or limiting a student's ability to participate in or benefit from the educational program or activities.

In addition to investigating and taking appropriate corrective action in instances of harassment, sexual harassment, or other sexual misconduct, the District shall make available to the victim of such harassment or misconduct resources to assist the student with coping with the effects of victimization. The school counseling services shall identify available resources in the community and provide assistance to students in contacting such resources if desired by the student. The District will not directly provide or pay for assistance unless such services are available in the District program or the Board otherwise approves.

Race/Color Harassment

Prohibited racial harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's race or color and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of: interfering with the individual's educational performance; creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's race or color, such as racial slurs, nicknames implying stereotypes, epithets, and/or negative references regarding racial customs.

Religious (Creed) Harassment

Prohibited religious harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's religion or creed and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of: interfering with the individual's work or educational performance; creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's religious tradition, clothing, or surnames, and/or involves religious slurs.

National Origin/Ancestry Harassment

Prohibited national origin/ancestry harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's national origin or ancestry and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of: interfering with the individual's educational performance; creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working and/or learning environment; or interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's national origin or ancestry, such as negative comments regarding customs, manner of speaking, language, surnames, or ethnic slurs.

Disability Harassment

Prohibited disability harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's physical, mental, emotional or learning disability and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of: interfering with the individual's educational performance; creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's disability, such as negative comments about speech patterns, movement, physical impairments or defects/appearances, or the like.

Anti-Harassment Compliance Officers

The Board designates the following individuals to serve as the District's Compliance Officers (also known as "Anti-Harassment Compliance Officers"; hereinafter referred to as the "COs"):

Kim Griesbach
PK-6 Principal
Shiocton SchoolDistrict
N5650 Broad Street
Shiocton, WI  54170
920-986-3351 x751
kgriesbach@shiocton.k12.wi.us

Nick Ortlieb
Gr 7-12 Principal
Shiocton School District
N5650 Broad Street
Shiocton, WI  54170
920-986-3351 x751
nortlieb@shiocton.k12.wi.us 

The names, titles, and contact information of these individuals will be published annually:

  1. on the School District's website;
  2. in the parent and staff handbooks;
  3. in the School District's Annual Report to the public.

The Compliance Officers are responsible for coordinating the District’s efforts to comply with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including the District’s duty to address in a prompt and equitable manner any inquiries or complaints regarding harassment.

Reports and Complaints of Harassing Conduct

Reporting procedures are as follows:

  1. Any student who believes they have been the victim of harassment prohibited under this policy will be encouraged to report the alleged harassment to any District employee, such as a teacher, administrator, or other employees.

  2. Any parent of a student who believes the student has been the victim of harassment prohibited under this policy is encouraged to report the alleged harassment to the student’s teacher, building administrator, or District Administrator.

  3. Teachers, administrators, and other school officials who have the knowledge or received notice that a student has or may have been the victim of harassment prohibited under this policy shall immediately report the alleged harassment to one (1) of the Compliance Officers.

  4. Any other person with knowledge or belief that a student has or may have been the victim of harassment prohibited by this policy shall be encouraged to immediately report the alleged acts to any District employee, such as a teacher, administrator, or other employee.

  5. The reporting party or Complainant shall be encouraged to use a report form available from the principal of each building or available from the District office, but oral reports shall be considered complaints as well. Use of formal reporting forms shall not be mandated. However, all oral complaints shall be reduced to writing.

  6. To provide individuals with options for reporting harassment to an individual of the gender with which they feel most comfortable, each school's building principal shall be advised to designate both a male and a female Compliance Officer for receiving reports of harassment prohibited by this policy. At least one (1) Compliance Officer or other individual shall be available outside regular school hours to address complaints of harassment that may require immediate attention.

A CO will be available during regular school/work hours to discuss concerns related to harassment, to assist students, other members of the School District community, and third parties who seek support or advice when informing another individual about "unwelcome" conduct, or to intercede informally on behalf of the student.

Any Board employee who directly observes harassment of a student is obligated, in accordance with this policy, to report such observations to one (1) of the COs within two (2) days. Thereafter, one (1) of the COs must contact the Complainant if over age eighteen (18), or the Complainant's parents/guardians if under the age eighteen (18), within two (2) days to advise of the Board's intent to investigate the alleged misconduct, including the obligation of one (1) of the Compliance Officers to conduct an investigation following all the procedures outlined in the complaint procedures.

The COs are assigned to accept complaints of harassment directly from any member of the School District community or a Third Party or to receive complaints that are initially filed with a school building administrator. Upon receipt of a complaint, either directly or through a school building administrator, a CO will contact the Complainant and begin either an informal or formal process (depending on the request of the Complainant or the nature of the alleged harassment). The Compliance Officer will provide a copy of this policy to the Complainant and Respondent. The CO will prepare recommendations for the District Administrator or will oversee the preparation of such recommendations by a designee. All Board employees must report incidents of harassment that are reported to them to one (1) of the COs as soon as possible, but always within no more than two (2) days of learning of the incident.

Investigation and Complaint Procedure

Except for Sexual Harassment that is covered by Policy 2266 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Program or Activities, any student who believes that they have been subjected to harassment may seek resolution of the complaint through the procedures described below. The formal complaint process involves an investigation of the Complainant's claims of harassment or retaliation and a process for rendering a decision regarding whether the charges are substantiated.

Due to the sensitivity surrounding complaints of harassment, timelines are flexible for initiating the complaint process; however, individuals should make every effort to file a complaint within thirty (30) days after the conduct occurs while the facts are known and potential witnesses are available. Once the complaint process is begun, the investigation will be completed in a timely manner (ordinarily, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the complaint being received).

The procedures set forth below are not intended to interfere with the rights of a student to pursue a complaint of harassment or retaliation with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights ("OCR") and/or the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division. The Chicago Office of the OCR can be reached at:

John C. Kluczynski Federal Building
230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: 312-730-1560
Fax: 312-730-1576
TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov
Web: http://www.ed.gov/ocr.

If, at any time during the investigation process, the investigator determines that the complaint is properly defined as Bullying under Policy 5517.01 - Bullying and not Harassment under this Policy because the conduct at issue is not based on a student’s Protected Characteristics, the investigator shall transfer the investigation to the appropriate building principal.

Complaint Procedure

A Complainant may file a complaint, either orally or in writing, with a teacher, principal, or other District employee at the student’s school, a CO, District Administrator, or other District official who works at another school or at the District level. Due to the sensitivity surrounding complaints of harassment, timelines are flexible for initiating the complaint process; however, individuals should make every effort to file a complaint within thirty (30) days after the conduct occurs while the facts are known and potential witnesses are available. If a Complainant informs a teacher, principal, or other District official at the student’s school, a CO, District Administrator, or other District employee, either orally or in writing, about any complaint of harassment, that employee must report such information to one (1) of the COs within two (2) days.

Throughout the course of the process, the CO should keep the parties reasonably informed of the status of the investigation and the decision-making process.

All complaints must include the following information to the extent known: the identity of the Respondent; a detailed description of the facts upon which the complaint is based (i.e., when, where, and what occurred); and a list of potential witnesses.

If the Complainant is unwilling or unable to provide a written statement including the information set forth above, the Compliance Officer shall ask for such details in an oral interview. Thereafter the CO will prepare a written summary of the oral interview and the Complainant will be asked to verify the accuracy of the reported charge by signing the document.

Upon receiving a complaint, the CO will consider whether any action should be taken in the investigatory phase to protect the Complainant from further harassment or retaliation including, but not limited to, a change of class schedule for the Complainant or the Respondent, or possibly a change of school for either or both of the parties. In making such a determination, the Compliance Officer should consult the District Administrator prior to any action being taken. The Complainant should be notified of any proposed action prior to such action being taken.

As soon as appropriate in the investigation process, the CO will inform the Respondent that a complaint has been received. The Respondent will be informed about the nature of the allegations. A copy of any relevant policies and administrative procedures and the Board's anti-harassment policy shall be provided to the Respondent at that time. The Respondent must also be provided an opportunity to respond to the complaint.

Within two (2) days of receiving the complaint, the CO will initiate an investigation by, at a minimum, confirming receipt of the complaint with the Complainant and informing the Complainant of the investigation process.

Although certain cases may require additional time, the CO will attempt to complete an investigation into the allegations of harassment within fifteen (15) days of receiving the formal complaint. 

The investigation will include:

  1. interview(s) with the Complainant;

  2. interview(s) with the Respondent;

  3. interviews with any other witnesses who reasonably may be expected to have any information relevant to the allegations, as determined by the CO;

  4. consideration of any documentation or other evidence presented by the Complainant, Respondent, or any other witness that is reasonably believed to be relevant to the allegations, as determined by the CO.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the CO shall prepare and deliver a written report to the District Administrator which summarizes the evidence gathered during the investigation and provides recommendations based on the evidence and the definition of harassment as provided in Board policy and State and Federal law as to whether the Respondent engaged in harassment/retaliation of the Complainant. In determining if harassment occurred, a preponderance of evidence standard will be used. The CO’s recommendations must be based upon the totality of the circumstances, including the ages and maturity levels of those involved.

The CO may consult with the Board's attorney during the course of the investigatory process and/or before finalizing the report to the District Administrator.

In cases where no District CO is able to investigate a complaint due to concerns regarding conflicts, bias, or partiality, or for other reasons that impair the CO's ability to conduct an investigation, the CO may, in consultation with the District Administrator (or the Board President if the matter involves the District Administrator), engage outside legal counsel to conduct the investigation consistent with this policy.

Absent extenuating circumstances, within ten (10) days of receiving the report of the CO, the District Administrator either must issue a final decision regarding whether or not the complaint of harassment has been substantiated or request further investigation. A copy of the District Administrator's written decision will be delivered to both the Complainant and the Respondent.

If the District Administrator requests additional investigation, the District Administrator must specify the additional information that is to be gathered, and such additional investigation must be completed within ten (10) days. At the conclusion of the additional investigation, the District Administrator must issue a final written decision as described above.

The decision of the District Administrator shall be final.

A Complainant or Respondent who is dissatisfied with the final decision of the District Administrator may appeal through a signed written statement to the Board within five (5) days of the party's receipt of the District Administrator's final decision. The written statement of appeal must be submitted to the District Administrator, who will forward the request to the Board President.

In an attempt to resolve the complaint, the Board shall meet with the concerned parties and their representatives within twenty (20) days of the receipt of such an appeal. A copy of the Board's disposition of the appeal shall be sent to each concerned party within ten (10)  days of its decision. The decision of the Board shall be final.

If the Complainant feels that the decision does not adequately address the complaint, the Complainant may appeal the decision to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction by submitting a written request to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction ("DPI"), Pupil Nondiscrimination Program, or by contacting the DPI Pupil Nondiscrimination Program at (608) 267-9157.

If the decision of the District Administrator is that there is no finding of harassment pursuant to this policy, the student/parent will be informed of the provisions of Policy 5517.01 - Bullying.

The Board reserves the right to investigate and resolve a complaint or report of harassment regardless of whether the member of the School District community or Third Party alleging the harassment pursues the complaint. The Board also reserves the right to have the complaint investigation conducted by an external person in accordance with this policy or in such other manner as deemed appropriate by the Board.

The parties may be represented, at their own cost, at any of the above-described meetings/hearings.

The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint shall not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights, the filing of charges with local law enforcement, or the filing of a civil action in court. Use of this internal complaint process is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.

Additional School District Action

If the evidence suggests that the harassment at issue is a crime or requires mandatory reporting under the Children's Code (Sec. 48.981, Wis. Stat.), the CO or District Administrator shall report the harassment to the appropriate social service and/or law enforcement agency charged with responsibility for handling such investigations and crimes.

Any reports made to the local child protection services or to local law enforcement shall not terminate the CO's obligation and responsibility to continue to investigate a complaint of harassment. While the CO may work cooperatively with outside agencies to conduct concurrent investigations, in no event shall the harassment investigation be inhibited by the involvement of outside agencies without good cause, after consultation with the District Administrator.

Privacy/Confidentiality

The District will make all reasonable efforts to protect the rights of the Complainant and the Respondent. The District will respect the privacy of the Complainant, the Respondent, and all witnesses in a manner consistent with the District's legal obligations under State and Federal law. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, however. Additionally, the Respondent must be provided the Complainant's identity.

During the course of an investigation, the CO will instruct all members of the School District community and third parties who are interviewed about the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Any individual who is interviewed as part of a harassment investigation is expected not to disclose any information that is learned or provided during the course of the investigation.

Directives During Investigation

The CO may recommend to the District Administrator placing any employee involved in an investigation under this Policy on administrative leave pending resolution of the matter. If the District Administrator is the Respondent, the CO shall make such recommendation to the Board. For example, administrative leave may be appropriate in situations in which protecting the safety of any individual or the integrity of the investigation necessitates such action.

The CO shall determine whether any witnesses in the course of an investigation may be required to answer questions that could also involve criminal investigations or sanctions, including the existence of a co-occurring law enforcement investigation, are still required to answer questions concerning the District's investigation, but are entitled to do so without waiving their Constitutional right against self-incrimination that applies during a criminal investigation. Employees should be advised of this right, through what is often referred to as a "Garrity Warning". The Garrity Warning informs the employee that the employee is required to respond to questions posed during the investigation and that answers to questions relating to the employee's conduct may be used by the District for determining appropriate discipline, but will not be provided to law enforcement officials in the course of their independent criminal investigation unless otherwise required by law. (See Form 5517 F3 - "Garrity" Warning)

Remedial Action and Monitoring

If warranted, appropriate remedial action shall be determined and implemented on behalf of the Complainant including, but not limited to, counseling services, reinstatement of leave taken because of the discrimination, or other appropriate action.

The Board may appoint an individual, who may be a District employee, to follow up with the Complainant to ensure no further discrimination or retaliation has occurred and to take action to address any reported occurrences promptly.

Sanctions and Disciplinary Action

The Board shall vigorously enforce its prohibitions against harassment by taking appropriate action reasonably calculated to stop the harassment and prevent further misconduct.

While observing the principles of due process, a violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including the discharge of an employee or the suspension/expulsion of a student. All disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with applicable law.

When imposing discipline, the District Administrator shall consider the totality of the circumstances involved in the matter, including the age and maturity level of any student involved. In those cases where harassment is not substantiated, the Board may consider whether the alleged conduct nevertheless warrants discipline in accordance with other Board policies.

Where the Board becomes aware that a prior disciplinary action has been taken against the Respondent, all subsequent sanctions imposed by the Board and/or District Administrator shall be reasonably calculated to end such conduct, prevent its reoccurrence, and remedy its effects.

Retaliation

Retaliation against a person who makes a report or files a complaint alleging harassment/retaliation or participates as a witness in an investigation is prohibited. Neither the Board nor any other person may intimidate, threaten, coerce, or interfere with any individual because the person opposed any act or practice made by any Federal or State civil rights law, or because that individual made a report, formal complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under those laws and/or this policy, or because that individual exercised, enjoyed, aided, or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right granted or protected by those laws and/or this policy.

Retaliation against a person for making a report of discrimination, filing a formal complaint, or participating in an investigation or meeting is a serious violation of this policy that can result in imposition of disciplinary sanctions/consequences and/or other appropriate remedies.

Formal complaints alleging retaliation may be filed according to the internal complaint process set forth above.

The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution does not constitute retaliation prohibited under this policy.

Reprisal

Submission of a good faith complaint or report of harassment will not affect the Complainant's status or educational environment. However, the Board also recognizes that false or fraudulent claims of harassment or false or fraudulent information about such claims may be filed. The Board reserves the right to discipline any person filing a false or fraudulent claim of harassment or false or fraudulent information about such a claim.

The District will discipline or take appropriate action against any member of the School District community who retaliates against any person who reports an incident of harassment prohibited by this policy or participates in a proceeding, investigation, or hearing relating to such harassment. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment.

Education and Training

In support of this policy, the Board promotes preventative educational measures to create greater awareness of discriminatory practices. The District Administrator will develop a method of discussing this policy with the School District community. Training on the requirements of nondiscrimination and the appropriate responses to issues of harassment will be provided to the School District community at such times as the Board, in consultation with the District Administrator, determines is necessary or appropriate.

This policy shall be reviewed at least annually for compliance with local, State, and Federal law.

The District shall conspicuously post a notice including this policy against harassment in each school in a place accessible to the School District community and members of the public. This notice shall also include the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the Compliance Officers; the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the State agency responsible for investigating allegations of discrimination in educational opportunities; and the mailing address and telephone number of the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

A summary of this policy shall appear in the student handbook and shall be made available upon request of parents, students, and other interested parties.

Retention of Investigatory Records and Materials

The CO is responsible for overseeing the retention of all records that must be maintained pursuant to this policy. All individuals charged with conducting investigations under this policy shall retain all information, documents, electronically stored information (“ESI”), and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315) created and received as part of an investigation including, but not limited to:

  1. all written reports/allegations/complaints/statements;
  2. narratives of all verbal reports, allegations, complaints, and statements collected;
  3. a narrative of all actions taken by District personnel;
  4. any written documentation of actions taken by District personnel or individuals contracted or appointed by the Board to fulfill its responsibilities;
  5. narratives of, notes from, or audio, video, or digital recordings of witness statements;
  6. all documentary evidence;
  7. e-mails, texts, or social media posts pertaining to the investigation;
  8. contemporaneous notes in whatever form made (e.g., handwritten, keyed into a computer or tablet, etc.) pertaining to the investigation;
  9. written disciplinary sanctions issued to students or employees and a narrative of verbal disciplinary sanctions issued to students or employees for violations of the policies and procedures prohibiting discrimination or harassment;
  10. dated written determinations to the parties;
  11. dated written descriptions of verbal notifications to the parties;
  12. written documentation of any supportive measures offered and/or provided to the Complainant and/or the Respondent, including no contact orders issued to both parties, the dates issued, and the dates the parties acknowledged receipt;
  13. documentation of all actions taken, both individual and systemic, to stop the discrimination or harassment, prevent its recurrence, eliminate any hostile environment, and remedy its discriminatory effects;
  14. copies of the Board policy and/or procedures/guidelines used by the District to conduct the investigation and any documents used by the District at the time of the alleged violation to communicate the Board’s expectations to students and staff with respect to the subject of this policy (e.g., Student Code of Conduct and/or Employee Handbooks);
  15. copies of any documentation that memorializes any formal or informal resolutions to the alleged discrimination or harassment; and
  16. documentation of any training provided to District personnel related to this policy including, but not limited to, notification of the prohibitions and expectations of staff set forth in this policy and the role and responsibility of all District personnel involved in enforcing this policy, including their duty to report alleged violations of this policy and/or conducting an investigation of an alleged violation of this policy.

The information, documents, ESI, and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315) retained may include public records and records exempt from disclosure under Federal and/or State law (e.g., student records).

The information, documents, ESI, and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315) created or received as part of an investigation shall be retained in accordance with Policy 8310, Policy 8315, Policy 8320, and Policy 8330 for not less than three (3) years, but longer if required by the District’s records retention schedule.

Revised 11/1/10

Revised 10/21/13

Revised 12/27/17

Revised 1/22/18

Revised 8/5/19
Revised 4/24/23
Revised 12/4/23

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