9010.2

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Board of Education is committed to safeguarding the right of all employees within the school district to a work environment that is free from all forms of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment does not only depend upon the offender's intention but also upon how the target perceives the behavior or is affected by it.  The Board recognizes that sexual harassment can originate from a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or same sex, and from peers as well as supervisors.

Therefore, the Board condemns all unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature which is either designed to extort sexual favors from an employee as a term or condition of employment, or which has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.  The Board also strongly opposes any retaliatory behavior against complainants or any witnesses.

Any employee who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment should report the alleged misconduct immediately so that appropriate corrective action, up to and including discharge of the offender, may be taken at once. In the absence of a victim's complaint, the Board, upon learning of, or having reason to suspect, the occurrence of any sexual misconduct, will ensure that an investigation is promptly commenced by appropriate individuals.

The Superintendent of Schools is directed to develop and implement specific procedures on reporting, investigating and remedying allegations of sexual harassment. Such procedures are to be consistent with any applicable provisions contained in the district's collective bargaining agreements and the tenure laws.

A copy of this policy and its accompanying regulation are to be distributed to all supervisory and non-supervisory personnel and posted in appropriate places.

Ref: Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, 42 U.S.C. §2000-e2(a)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Policy Guidance

  (N-915.035) on Current Issues of Sexual Harassment, effective 10/15/88

Meritor Savings Bank, FSB v. Vinson, 477 U.S. 57 (1986) 

Adoption date:  January 1, 1993

Reviewed on:    November 5, 2007