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U.S.DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SexualHarassment
      It Not Acadenric




      Seotember
              2008




   Office for Civil Rights
U.S.Department of Education
U. S. Department of Education
Margaret Spellings
Secretary

Office for Civil Rights
Stephanie  Monroe
AssistantSecretary

RevisedSeptember
               2008.


This publication is in the public domain.Authorization to reproduce
it in whole or in part is granted.The publication'scitation should
be: U.S. Department of Education,Office for Civil Rights, Sexual
Harasmen I t Not A cademi
       s   t:                 c,Washington, C., 2008.
                                            D.
To order copiesof this publication,write to:
   EDPubs
   EducationalPublicationsCenter
   U.S.Departmentof Education
   P.O.Box 1398
         MD 20794-1.398
   Jessup,

You may fax your order to: 30I-470-7244 or sendan e-mail request
to: edpubs@inet.ed.gov.
You may alsocalltoll-free:7-877-433-7827  (1.-877-4-ED-PUBS).If
877 service not yet avallable your area,yoltmay cal),I-800-872-
            is               in
5327 (1,-800-USA-LEARN).Thosewho usea telecommunications
devicefor the deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter(TTY) should call
1.-877-576-7734.
To order online, point your Internet browser to:http://edpubs.ed.gov.
This publication alsois available the Department'sWeb site
                                 on
athttp://www.ed.govlocr.Any updatesto this publication willbe
availableat this Web site.
On request,  this publication is available alternateformats,such as
                                         in
Braille,large print, or computerdiskette.For more information, you
may contactthe Department's      AlternateFormat Center at202-260-
0852or 202-260-0818.Ifyou useaTDD, call 1-800-877-8339.
                                 ii
Contents

Introduction....                                                      I

Part One: Defining SexualHarassment                                   3
                                                                      a
What is sexual
             harassment?. . .
                       .                                              J

                                                                      a
What aresomeexamples sexual
                   of     conduct?.                                   J


Is all physicalcontact sexualin nature?                               4
What if the sexualconduct is criminal in nature?                      4
Mustthesexualcond u c t b e u n we lc o me ? . .          ........    5
When doessenualconduct "deny or limit a student'sability to
particrpatein or benefit from a school'seducationprogram?".. . . . . 5
Can young school children engagein sexualharassment?. . . . . . . .   7

Ate gayand lesbianstudentsprotectedfrom sexralharassment?.. 8
                                                        .


PartTwo: RespondingtoSexualHarassment
                                    ....                              9
How shoulda schoolrespondwhen it receives
                                        information about
allegedsexualharas s me n t ? . . . .                 ....9
What if the victim requestsconfidentiality or asksthat the
complaintnotbepurs u e d ?                                ........9
Does a schoolhaveto do anythingaboutsexralharassment a
                                                   if
particularincident is not reportedto the school?       . . . 10
What actions,tf           schoolstake while investigating
acomplaint?.... ^y,should
                                                          ....LI
What doesa schoolhaveto do oncethe investigation complete? 11
                                                is
What aresomeexamples the stepsa schoolshouldtaketo end
                     of
harassment
         andpreventitfrom happeningagun?       . . . . . . . . 73
What aresomeexamplesofhowa school canrcmedythe effectsof
sexualharassment? . . . .                         .....13

                                  lu
PartThree: Reporting and Preventing SexualHarassment . . . . . 15
Who shouldreportincidentsofsexualharassment?.. . . . . . . . . . .15
                                              .
To whom should a victim or other individual report
theharassment?.                                              ....15
What if the harasser
                   threatensto retaliareagainstthe victim if
he orshereports theinc id e n t ? . . . .               ........15
What proceduresmust a school havein placeto prevent sorual
harassmentandres o lv e c o mp la in t s ?           ........16
W hataregrievancep ro c e d u re s ? . . . .             .......16
W hatdoestheTitlelXc o o rd in a t o rd o ? . .        ........16
Howdo I knowwho myschool's
                         TitleIX coordinator . . . . . . .,17
                                           is?
What other stepscan a schooltake to prevent socualharassment? 17
What is OC& and how do I report incidents of sorualharassment
tothatoffice?                                         .......17
Where can I get more information about a school'sresponsibilities
toaddressandpreventsexualharassment?    ....                ....18




                                   lv
Introduction

Sexualharassment studentsis illegal' A federallaw, Title IX of the
                    of
EducationAmendments1972 (Titk 1,$, prohibitsdiscrimination
                         0f
on the basisof sex,including sexualharassment, education
                                                   in
programsand activities. public and private educationinstitutions
                          A1l
ihai receiveany federalfunds must comply with Title IX. Title IX
protectsstudents  from harassment     connected any of the academic,
                                                to
educational, extracurricular, athletic,and other programsor activities
of schools,regardless the location. Title IX protectsboth male and
                       of
female studentsfrom sexualharassmentbyanyschoolempioyee,
another student,or a non-employeethird party.
Preventingand remedyingsexual      harassment schoolsis essential
                                              in
to ensurea nondiscriminatory,   safeenvironmentin which students
can learn.Unfortunately,students,   Parents,and schoolstaff may
not know what sexual    harassment how to stoPit, and what
                                   is,
can be done to preventit from   happening. This pamphlet usesa
question-and-answer    format to provide students,Parents,school
administrators,schoolemployees, otherswith fundamental
                                   and
information on recognizingand,    addressing sexualharassment
under Title IX asit is interpretedby the U.S.Department of
Educationt Office for Civil Rights (OCR). OCR is the federal
agencyresponsible enforcing Title lXin schools
                    for                             that receive
federalfunds from the U.S. Department of Education.
Part One: Defining Sexual Harassment

    What is sexualharassment?
    Sexualharassmentis conduct that:
    1) is sexual nature;
               in
2) is unwelcome;
               and
3) deniesor limits a student'sability to participatein or benefit
   from a school'seducationprogram.
Sexualharassmentcan take different forms depending on the
harasser and the nature of the harassment.  The conduct can be
carried out by school employees,   other students,and non-employee
third parties,such as a visiting speaker.Both male and female
studentscan be victims of sexualharassment.    and the harasserand
the victim can be of the samesex.
The conduct can occur in any schoolprogram or activity and can
take placein schoolfacilities,on a schoolbus,or at other off-
campuslocations,suchas a school-sponsored    field trip or a training
program at anotherlocation.Tlie conductcan be verbal,nonverbal,
or physical.
The judgment and common sense teachersand school
                                 of
administrators arevery important elementsin determining whether
sexualharassmenthas occurredand in determining an appropriate
response,especiallywhen dealing with young children.

What are someexamples sexualconduct?
                    of
Examplesof sexual
                conductinclude:
'      making sexual
                   propositionsor pressuring
                                           students sexual
                                                   for   favors;
'      touching of a sexualnature;
'     writing graffiti of a sexualnature;
'     displaying or distributing sexuallyexplicit drawings,pictures,or
      written materials:
performing sexual
                    gestures touching oneselfsexualiy front
                           or                        in
    of others:
    telling sexualor dirty jokes;
    spreading    sexualrumors or rating other studentsasto sexual
    activitlr or performance;or
    circulatingor showinge-mailsor Web sitesof a sexualnature.

    Example; A school official sendsa student a text message
    to arrangea time to meet for a sexualencounter.Sending
    such a text messagewould constitute sexualconduct.


Is all pbysicalcontact
                     sexualin nature?
No. Legitimate nonsexual touching or conductgenerallywill not
be considered  sexualharassment.
                               However,it may rise to that level
if it takeson sexual
                   connotations.

   Example: A high school athletic coachhugs a srudent
   who makesa goal.This by itself is not consideredsexual
   conduct. However, a coach'shugging of a student could be
   consideredsexualconduct if it is unwelcomeand occurs
   under,inappropriatecircumstances.


LVhat thesexualconduct criminal in nature?
    if               is
Sexualharassment    includesconductthat is criminal in nature,
such as rape,sexualassault,dating violence,and sexuallymotivated
stalking.Even if a schoolreportspossiblecriminal conduct to the
police,that doesnot relievethe schoolof its responsibilities
                                                           under
Title lX,which are discussed Part Two.
                             in
Must thesexualconduct unwelcorne?
                    be
Yes.Conduct is considered  unwelcomeif the studentdid not
requestor invite it and considered conductto be undesirable
                                  the
or offensive.
            The ageof the student,the nature of the conduct,
and other relevantfactors affectwhether a student was capable
of welcoming the sexual  conduct.A student's submission the
                                                        to
conduct or failure to complain doesnot alwaysmean that the
conductwaswelcome.

     F-xample1: A middle school student makesoffensivesexual
    jokes to another student,but the student doesnot object to the
    jokes or speakout againstthem.The student'sfailure to object
    doesnot mean that he or shehaswelcomedthe comments-


    F-nample2:A femalehigh schoolstudentwillingly
    kissesa male studenton one occasion. When the student
    subsequently attemptsto kiss her again,sheobjects, he
                                                     but
    kisses anyway.
          her        This subsequent is considered be
                                      kiss            to
    unwelcomedespitethe welcomeness the first kiss.
                                        of


Wbendoes   sexualconduct   "denyor limit a student ability to
participate in or beneftfrom a scbool'seducationprogram?"
Two generaltypesof sexual    conductcan deny or limit a student's
ability to participatein or benefit from a schoolt program.As
discussed   below,teachers and other schoolemployees engage
                                                       can
in either type of conduct,while studentsand third partiescan
engage only one type.
         in
One form of sexual harassment occurswhen a teacheror other
schoolemployee  conditionsan educational
                                       decisionor benefit
on the student'ssubmission unwelcomesexual
                          to                  conduct.If this
occurs,it doesnot matter whether the student resistsand suffers
    the threatenedharm or submits to and avoidsthe threatenedharm.




Sexualharassmentalso occurswhen a teacher,school employee,
other student,or third party qeatesa hostile environment
that is sufficiently seriousto deny or limit a student'sability to
participate in or benefit from the school'sprogram.Whether such
a hostile environment has been createddependson the particular
circumstances the incident(s).Relevantconsiderations
                of                                          include,
but are not limited to:
'      how much of an adverseeffect the conduct had on the
       studendseducationl
'     the type, frequency,or duration ofthe conduct;
'     the iddntiry age,andsex the harasser(s) the victim(s),
                               of           and
      and the relationship betweenthem;
'     the number of individuals who engagedin the harassing
      conduct and atwhom the harassment  was directed;
'     the sizeof the school,locationof the incidents,and contextin
      which they occurred;and
'     whether other incidents occurredat the school involving
      different students.
The conductdoesnot necessarily   haveto be repetitive. If
sufficientlysevere,
                  singleor isolatedincidentsCancreatea
hostile environment.

   Example 1: Throughout the school year,Student A
   repeatedlypasses   sexuallyexplicit photographsto Student
   B during class.Thephotographs are offensiveto Student
   B, and, consequently,  Student B is unable to concentrate
   during classor focus on the subject.Student A has created
   a hostile environment that limits Student B's ability to
   participate in the class.


   Ellample 2: A high school student sexuallyassaulted
   another high school student on one occasionwhen the
   two were alone in a classroom. a result, the victim is
                                  As
   afnid of attending any classes coming into contact with
                                 or
   the harasser. Although this was an isolated incident, it is
   sufficiently severe create,a
                      to        hostile environment.


Canyoung school
              cbildrenengage sexualltarassment?
                           in
Schoolpersonnelshouldconsiderthe ageand maturity of
studentsin respondingto allegations
                                  ofsexual harassment.
When determiningwhether a young child hascommitted sexual
harassment, is important for teachers
            it                      and schooladministrators
to usegoodjudgment and common sense.

   Example 1: On one occasion,a first-grade student kisses
   gr"tb"lfirst-grade student on the cheekin the playground.
   This behavior doesnot constitute sexualharassmentl
Example 2zOn numerousoccasions      over a period of
   severalmonths, a fifth-grade student inappropriately
   touchesanother fifth-grade student and makesoverdy
   sexualcomments and gesturesto that student.The conduct
   is unwelcome and resultsin the victim's gradesfalling
   because or she is unable to concentrateon studying.This
           he
   behavior constitutessexualharassment.


Are gay and lesbianstudents
                          protectedfromsexualharassment?
Title IX prohibits harassingconduct that is of a sexualnature if it
is unwelcomeand deniesor limits a student'sability to participate
in or benefit from a school's
                            program,regardless whether the
                                                 of
harassment aimed gayor lesbianstudentsor is perpetrated
            is                                                   by
                      ^t
individualsof the sameor oppositesex.Title.IX doesnot address
discriminationor other issues relatedto sexual orientation.

   Example 1: Throughout football season, male member
                                             a
   of the high school football team makesunwelcomesexual
   advances  toward another member of the football team.
   who is a homosexualmale.As a result,the victim quits the
   football team.This conduct is sexualin nature,unwelcome,
   and has denied the victim the ability to participate on the
   school,football team.This is sexualharassmentcoveredbv
   Title IX.


   Example 2: Studentsheckle another student with
   comments that are basedon the studentb sexualorientation
   but are not sexualin nature (r.g.,"g y studentsare not
   welcome at this table in the lunch roorrt'').Even if these
   comments are unwelcomeand deny the student'sability
   to benefit from br participate in the school'seducation
   program,the conduct is not sexual,and this is not sexual
   harassmentcoveredby Title IX.
                                8
PartTwo: Responding to SexualFlarassment

Hora shoulda school   respondwhen it receiwes
                                            information about
aIIege sexuaI lt aras ment ?
     d               s
If a student,his or her parent,or a responsibleemployee  reports
the harassment, a schoolemployee
                 or                    observes harassment,
                                               the
the schoolshouldinform the harassed     student(and the student's
parent dependingon the student'sage)of the options for formal
and informal action and of the school's responsibilities,
                                                       which are
discussed below.Resardless whether the victim files a formal
                             of
complaint or r.q.r.ri, action,the schoolmust conducta prompt,
impartial, and thorough investigationto determinewhat happened
and must take appropriatestepsto resolve situation.
                                           the
If other sources,suchas a witnessto the incident,an anonymous
letter or phone call,or the media,report the harassment,
                                                       the
schoolshould respondin the samemannerdescribed       aboveif it
is reasonable the schoolto conductan investigationand the
             for
schoolcan confirm the allegations. Considerations relevantto this
determinationmay include,but are not limited to, the:
'   sourceand natureof the information:
'   seriousness the allegedincident;
              of
'   specificityof the information;
'   objectivityand credibility of the sourcethat madethe report;
'   ability to identify the allegedvictims; and
'   cooperationfrom the allegedvictims in pursuingthe matter.

What if the victim requests
                          confdentiality or asksthat the complaint
not bepursued?
The schoolshould take all reasonable  stepsto investigateand
respondto the complaint in a manner consistent   with a requestfor
confidentialityfrom a student.If a studentinsiststhat his or her
name not be disclosedto the harasser, school'sability to respond
                                     the
  maybg limited.The schoolalsomust consider responsibility
                                            its               to
 provide a safeand nondiscriminatory environment for all students.
 Thus,the schoolmust weigh the confidentialityrequestagainstthe
 following factors:
 ' seriousness the alleged
             of           harassment;
 'age ofthe harassed
                   student;
                          and
 ' other complaintsthat the sameindividual hasharassed
                                                     others.

    Elrample A female elementaryschool student describes    an
    incident to her teacherthat involved another teacherforcing
    her to engagein sexualactivity.The student begsthe teacher
    to not tell anybodywhathappened.This a situationin
                                             is
    which the school'sduty to provide all studentswith a safe
    environment might outweigh the student'srequest.

Additionally stateor local lawsmay requireschools report incidents
                                                 to
to the police.

Doesa school bawe doanytbing aboutsexual
                  to                   ltarassment aparticular
                                                 if
incidentis not reported theschool?
                       to
 If the harasser a teacheror anotherschoolemployee
                is                                     and if the
harassment   occurswhile the schoolemployeeis acting,or reasonably
apperys be acting,in rhe contextof his or her responsibilities
         to                                                     to
provideaid,benefits,  and services students, schoolis directly
                                 to           the
responsible and must remedythe harassment
            for                                  regardless ofwhether
the schoolknew or shouldhaveknown that the incident occurred.
If the harasser anotherstudent,a third party,ora schoolemployee
                is
who is n9t acjrfg within the contextof hii or her responsibiJity
to provideaid,benefits, services students,
                        or        to           then the schooiis
responsible investigatilg the conduct and taking appropriatesteps
            for
to resolvethe situation onlywhen it knows or should hive known that
the harassment   occurred.

                                 l0
Example: It is well-known to studentsand staffthat
    graffiti of a sexualnature appears the sidesof
                                       on
   buildings throughout a school'scampusin plain sight.
   The pervasiveness this harassmentmay be enough to
                        of
   conclude that the school should have known that the
   harassment     occurred.If so,then the schoolis responsible
   for investigating and respondingto the harassment
   regardless whether it receiveda specificcomplaint about
                of
   the graffiti


What actions,if any, shouldschools while inaestigatinga
                                 take
complaint?
It maybe necessary schoolsto take interim measures
                     for                                   during
the investigation of a complaint. For instance,if a student alleges
harassment anotherstudent,the schoolmay keepthosestudents
            by
separated until the investigation complete. a teacheris the
                                 is          If
allegedharasser, may be appropriatefor the str-rdent transfer to
                 it                                     to
anotherclass.
It is a good practice for schoolsto keep the student who alleged
the harassment  informed of the statusof the investigation.

What does school
        a      haoeto do once inaestigationis complete?
                             the
The schoolmust notify the victim (and his or her parents
depending on the ageof the victim) of the outcome of its
investigationand of anypunishments     imposedthat directly relate
to the victim, suchas an order for the harasser stay awayftom
                                              to
the victim.
If the schooldetermines  that a studentwas sexually  harassed, the
school must take reasonable, prompt, age-appropriate,and effective
action to end the harassmentand prevent it from happening
againto the victim or to others.If the schoolfails to do so,it must
remedy the effectsof the harassment the victim that could have
                                      on
beenavoided ifthe schoolhad responded  prompdyand effectively.
                                11
In addition, if the harasser a schoolemployee
                           is                 and if the harassment
occurswhile the employee acting,or reasonably
                           is                    appears be acting,
                                                          to
in the contextof carryingout his or her responsibiJities provide
                                                       to
aid,benefits,and services, schoolmust remedythe effectsof the
                          the
harassment the victim.
            on

   Erample 1: A teachersexuallyharasses eighth-gradestudent
                                             an
   in the schoolhallway.Thestudentis not in any of the teacher's
   classes the teacheris not a hall monitor. However,in light of
           and
   the 4geand educational    levelofthe studentand the statusand
   degreeofinfluence ofteachersin secondary              the
                                                schools, student
   could reasonablvbelieve the teacherhad at leastinformal
                              that
   disciplinaryu.rtjrority orr.r him or her.Therefore, conduct
                                                     this
   is considered haveoccurredin the contextofthe teac-her's
                 to
   responsibilityto provide aid,benefits,and services students,
                                                      to
   and thus the schoolmust remedythe effectsof the harassment
   in addition to stoppingit and prlventing it from recurting.


   E><ample A faculty memberof a university's
              2:                                  history
   departmentrepeatedly,    overseveralweeks, touclresand makes
   sexually suggestive remarksto a femalegraduateengineering
   studentwhile waiting for the universityshutdebus,riding on
   the bus,and exiting the bus.As a result,the studentstopsusing
   the bu$and walftsthe long distances   betweenher classes.This
   conductoccurredoutsideof the contextof the faculty member's
   dutiesto provide aid,benefits,or services the student,and
                                            to
   thus the schoolis not requiredto remedythe effectsof the
   harassment.   However,ifthe schoolfails to take reasonable
   and efFective action to end the harassment after it hasreceived
   notice of the harassment, schoolmust remedythe efibctsof
                              the
   the harassment  that could havebeenavoidedifthe schoolhad
   responded   promptly and effectively.



                                 t2
What are someexamples
                    oftbe stEs a scbool
                                      shouldtake to end
barassment prevent itfrom ltappening
           and                       again?
The appropriatestepsshould be tailored to the specificsituation.For
example, schoolmay needto developand publicize new policies
        the
or conduct training. Depending on the natureand severityof the
harassment, counseling, discipline,or further separation the victim
                                                        of
and harasser y be necessary.
             m
Responsive  measuresshould be designedto minimize the burden on
the victim asmuch aspossible. the schoolkinitial response
                             If                          does
not stop the harassmentand preventit from happeningagain,the
school may needto take additional,strongermeasures.

What are someexamples hozoa school remedy efectsof
                    of           can     the
sexualharassment?
If the school is required to remedy the effectsof the harassment
on the victim, the rypesof action requiredwill vary dependingon
the circumstances.

   Example 1: A collegeprofessorsexually     harassed student
                                                      a
   in his or her classin the context of the professor's
                                                      duty to
   provide services the student.Consequendy, student
                    to                            the
   was unable to concentrateduring classand did not learn the
   coursematerial.To remedythe effectsof the harassment,      the
   schoolmay be requiredto take suchactionsas:
   .   arrangingfor an independentassessment theof
       student'swork
   .   xrungjng for the student to take the courseagain with
       a different instructor;
   '   providing tutoring;
   .   making tuition adjustments;  or
   .   offering reimbursements professional
                               for              counseling.



                                 t3
Example 2: A high.schoolstudent
                                informs
                                    the school
another srudent .tu* l,r, l..o r;*"11il;;il;""' that
                ; i:l
                avoid ,h"i;;;;"
                      hirn,
*: ti j!::.r,:
rare.lrsa result,
                shehasmissed
                                  coming class
                                         ro
                                some  pop quizies.If
the schooldelays response this complaint
                 its         to
victim suffers                                   andthe
             additionaieffects orirr. i."russment,
missingadditional                                    suchas
                   p"p qurn;;;;;        shehasto continue
.gTing to classlate,the schoot *urtL*.ayrt.
of the harassment couldnil;;;;
                  that                            "d;;;,'*"
                                        pr;.";J;f;;;
           responded
::1"":ll1apqropriate promptly *nb.tir,.ly. this
                   re.medy
                            una         In
:":",,.":                     mayinclud. ..r.h actionsas
calculating student's
            the          gradewithout a""rirg i; rh"-"
student's failureto taketfr. quirrrE,rJ"* the
                                              student
       opportuniryrake qi;,rr,;. ;;;d;;fo,
                to   in.-
n^1^.:
mdependentassessment the srudent,s                     u'
                  of             work.




                         t4
PartThree: Reporting and preventing sexual Harassment

  Whoshouldre?ort incidentsof sexualharassment?
 AlFo-dl who sees   sexualharassment   occur shouldreport it; the
 individual neednot be the victim of the harassmenr. Schools
 should ensurethat employees  clearlyunderstand extentof their
                                                 the
 responsibilities reporting sexual
                for                 harassment.

 Tb ushomshoulda wictim or otherindiaidual reporttbe harassment?
The harassment    shouldbe reportedto a responsible     school
employee,   suchas a teacher, principal,faculiy member,
administrator, security officer,uffir-utirr. u.iion oficer,
                                                            or
professional  staffmemberin the office of studentaffaiis.
Additionally, as every school must have a Titre-rxcoordinator,
                                                                  the
harassment be reportedto this individual aswell.
             can
A.t*9."j,pjr1nt, or other individual alsomay file a complaint
y]t!_the u.s. Department of Education's      ofice for civil'Rights
(OCR), asexplained    below.

what if the harasserthreatens retaliateagainstthe nictim if be or
                            to
shereportsthe incident?
 Title IX alsoprotects studentsfrom retaliation.The school
                                                                 must
 take stepsto prevent the allegedharasser anybody
                                           or             elseat the
 school from retaliating againit the victim. s,r.fr ,,.p,
                                                          i".r"a.
informing students that        lXprotects them from retaliation,
making-surethat victimslitte how to report any future problems,
                          know
             follow-up inquiries to seeif ihere t,irr. U."rr'urryrr.*
.an{ Sakin_g
incidents.It alsomay be appropriate counser
                                       to          the harasse,   to
ensurethat he or she,.rnderstands retaliationis prohibited.If
                                    that
retaliationoccurs, schoolshouldtake strong responsive
                   the                                          actions.




                                  15
What procedures must a schoolhatte in place to prewent sexual
harassment and resolvecomplaints ?

Every school must:
'   issue a policy against sex discrimination;
a
    adopt and publicize grievance
                                procedures;
                                          and
    have a Title IX coordinator.

What aregrieaance
                procedures?
Grievanceprocedures internal schoolprocedures
                      are                          that address
violationsof a schooi's
                      policy againstdiscrimination,including
sexualharassment.  Grievanceprocedures  must providefor prompt
and equitableresolutionof complaintsof sexdiscrimination.
The schoolshould make surethat its policy againstsex
discriminationand grievance  procedures widely distributed and
                                         are
easilyunderstoodby students,  parentsof elementaryand secondary
schoolstudents, and employees. a minimum, studentsmust
                                At
know that the grievanceprocedure   exists,
                                         know how it works, and
know how to file a complaint.When a studentor parent reports
sexualharassment, schoolshould explainhow its grievance
                   the
procedures work and offer the studentor parent the opportunity to
usethem.
If a studentor parentchooses not usethe school's
                             to                  grievance
procedures, doesnot relievethe schoolof its responsibilities
            that                                           to
investigateand take appropriateaction,asexplainedabovein PartTwo.

WhatdoestbeTidelX coordinator
                            do?
The Title IX coordinatoris responsible coordinatinga school's
                                       for
efforts to complywith and carry out its Title IXresponsibilities.
Every schoolmust havea Title -IXcoordinator.Title lXcoordinators
must haveadequate   training in sexualharassment   and must be able
to explain the operationof the school'sgrievance  procedure.


                                 t6
Housdo I knouswho my school's                  is?
                            Title IX coordinator
Every schoolmust notify all studentsand employees the name,
                                                 of
office address, telephonenumber of its Title lXcoordinator(s).
              and

                       taketopreaent sexualharassment?
What othersteps a school
              can
OCR's experience   showsthat the best way for a school to deal
with sexualharassment to prevent it from occurring in the first
                        is
place.In addition to the requirements explained above(well-
publicized nondiscrimination policy,grievance procedures,  and
Title IX coordinator),a school may take a number of other steps
to preventharassment.
For example, schoolmay conductperiodic sexual
               a                                    harassment
awareness  training for all schoolstafl including administrators,
teachers, guidancecounselors, age-appropriate
         and                        and                  sexual
harassment                        The training can include
             training for students.
information on the rypesof conductthat will be considered    sexual
harassment   and the rangeof possibleconsequences, damage
                                                     the
that resultsfrom harassment,   where studentscan find help,waysto
opposeharassment, what to do about it.
                     and

                                                           to
What is OCR, and hozudoI report incidentsof sexualharassment
that ofice?
OCR is the federalagencyresponsible ensuringthat schools
                                      for
comply with Title IX and other federal civil rights laws. One of
OCR's responsibilities to resolve
                      is          complaintsof discrimination,
including sexual harassment complaints.  OCR has L2
enforcementofices locatedthroughout the country that carry out
this responsibility.
An individual who wishesto file a complaintwith OCR should do
so by contactingthe enforcement  office responsible the statein
                                                  for
which that schoolis located. find out which office is responsible
                           To
for your stateand how to contactthem, cali 1-800-42L-3487or


                                t7
check OCR'' Web site.at http://www.ed.govlocr.
complaint must be fiJedwithin                   Generally,the
                              rso a."^ of the date of the incident.
        and parentsarenor required
*9:1"                               to usea school,s  grievance
proceduresbeforefiling a compliantwith
                                        OCR
where canr get rnoreinlformation
                                 about a schoo,s
                                               responsib,itiesto
address preoent sexualbarassrnent?
       and
Pleaseread ocR's Rerisedsexual
                                    HarassrnentGuidance:  Harassment
of Studentsby Scbool Emptoyrrr,,Oiirl{ndents, or
availableotr-thr Deoartment's                     Third parties,
                               web site at http://www.ed,.gov/ocr/
publications.html fr"-
                  "i           OCn."f"*ement office.
                          ""y




                             18
t9
20
Sexual Harassment - Its Not Academic

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Sexual Harassment - Its Not Academic

  • 2. SexualHarassment It Not Acadenric Seotember 2008 Office for Civil Rights U.S.Department of Education
  • 3. U. S. Department of Education Margaret Spellings Secretary Office for Civil Rights Stephanie Monroe AssistantSecretary RevisedSeptember 2008. This publication is in the public domain.Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part is granted.The publication'scitation should be: U.S. Department of Education,Office for Civil Rights, Sexual Harasmen I t Not A cademi s t: c,Washington, C., 2008. D. To order copiesof this publication,write to: EDPubs EducationalPublicationsCenter U.S.Departmentof Education P.O.Box 1398 MD 20794-1.398 Jessup, You may fax your order to: 30I-470-7244 or sendan e-mail request to: edpubs@inet.ed.gov. You may alsocalltoll-free:7-877-433-7827 (1.-877-4-ED-PUBS).If 877 service not yet avallable your area,yoltmay cal),I-800-872- is in 5327 (1,-800-USA-LEARN).Thosewho usea telecommunications devicefor the deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter(TTY) should call 1.-877-576-7734. To order online, point your Internet browser to:http://edpubs.ed.gov. This publication alsois available the Department'sWeb site on athttp://www.ed.govlocr.Any updatesto this publication willbe availableat this Web site. On request, this publication is available alternateformats,such as in Braille,large print, or computerdiskette.For more information, you may contactthe Department's AlternateFormat Center at202-260- 0852or 202-260-0818.Ifyou useaTDD, call 1-800-877-8339. ii
  • 4. Contents Introduction.... I Part One: Defining SexualHarassment 3 a What is sexual harassment?. . . . J a What aresomeexamples sexual of conduct?. J Is all physicalcontact sexualin nature? 4 What if the sexualconduct is criminal in nature? 4 Mustthesexualcond u c t b e u n we lc o me ? . . ........ 5 When doessenualconduct "deny or limit a student'sability to particrpatein or benefit from a school'seducationprogram?".. . . . . 5 Can young school children engagein sexualharassment?. . . . . . . . 7 Ate gayand lesbianstudentsprotectedfrom sexralharassment?.. 8 . PartTwo: RespondingtoSexualHarassment .... 9 How shoulda schoolrespondwhen it receives information about allegedsexualharas s me n t ? . . . . ....9 What if the victim requestsconfidentiality or asksthat the complaintnotbepurs u e d ? ........9 Does a schoolhaveto do anythingaboutsexralharassment a if particularincident is not reportedto the school? . . . 10 What actions,tf schoolstake while investigating acomplaint?.... ^y,should ....LI What doesa schoolhaveto do oncethe investigation complete? 11 is What aresomeexamples the stepsa schoolshouldtaketo end of harassment andpreventitfrom happeningagun? . . . . . . . . 73 What aresomeexamplesofhowa school canrcmedythe effectsof sexualharassment? . . . . .....13 lu
  • 5. PartThree: Reporting and Preventing SexualHarassment . . . . . 15 Who shouldreportincidentsofsexualharassment?.. . . . . . . . . . .15 . To whom should a victim or other individual report theharassment?. ....15 What if the harasser threatensto retaliareagainstthe victim if he orshereports theinc id e n t ? . . . . ........15 What proceduresmust a school havein placeto prevent sorual harassmentandres o lv e c o mp la in t s ? ........16 W hataregrievancep ro c e d u re s ? . . . . .......16 W hatdoestheTitlelXc o o rd in a t o rd o ? . . ........16 Howdo I knowwho myschool's TitleIX coordinator . . . . . . .,17 is? What other stepscan a schooltake to prevent socualharassment? 17 What is OC& and how do I report incidents of sorualharassment tothatoffice? .......17 Where can I get more information about a school'sresponsibilities toaddressandpreventsexualharassment? .... ....18 lv
  • 6. Introduction Sexualharassment studentsis illegal' A federallaw, Title IX of the of EducationAmendments1972 (Titk 1,$, prohibitsdiscrimination 0f on the basisof sex,including sexualharassment, education in programsand activities. public and private educationinstitutions A1l ihai receiveany federalfunds must comply with Title IX. Title IX protectsstudents from harassment connected any of the academic, to educational, extracurricular, athletic,and other programsor activities of schools,regardless the location. Title IX protectsboth male and of female studentsfrom sexualharassmentbyanyschoolempioyee, another student,or a non-employeethird party. Preventingand remedyingsexual harassment schoolsis essential in to ensurea nondiscriminatory, safeenvironmentin which students can learn.Unfortunately,students, Parents,and schoolstaff may not know what sexual harassment how to stoPit, and what is, can be done to preventit from happening. This pamphlet usesa question-and-answer format to provide students,Parents,school administrators,schoolemployees, otherswith fundamental and information on recognizingand, addressing sexualharassment under Title IX asit is interpretedby the U.S.Department of Educationt Office for Civil Rights (OCR). OCR is the federal agencyresponsible enforcing Title lXin schools for that receive federalfunds from the U.S. Department of Education.
  • 7.
  • 8. Part One: Defining Sexual Harassment What is sexualharassment? Sexualharassmentis conduct that: 1) is sexual nature; in 2) is unwelcome; and 3) deniesor limits a student'sability to participatein or benefit from a school'seducationprogram. Sexualharassmentcan take different forms depending on the harasser and the nature of the harassment. The conduct can be carried out by school employees, other students,and non-employee third parties,such as a visiting speaker.Both male and female studentscan be victims of sexualharassment. and the harasserand the victim can be of the samesex. The conduct can occur in any schoolprogram or activity and can take placein schoolfacilities,on a schoolbus,or at other off- campuslocations,suchas a school-sponsored field trip or a training program at anotherlocation.Tlie conductcan be verbal,nonverbal, or physical. The judgment and common sense teachersand school of administrators arevery important elementsin determining whether sexualharassmenthas occurredand in determining an appropriate response,especiallywhen dealing with young children. What are someexamples sexualconduct? of Examplesof sexual conductinclude: ' making sexual propositionsor pressuring students sexual for favors; ' touching of a sexualnature; ' writing graffiti of a sexualnature; ' displaying or distributing sexuallyexplicit drawings,pictures,or written materials:
  • 9. performing sexual gestures touching oneselfsexualiy front or in of others: telling sexualor dirty jokes; spreading sexualrumors or rating other studentsasto sexual activitlr or performance;or circulatingor showinge-mailsor Web sitesof a sexualnature. Example; A school official sendsa student a text message to arrangea time to meet for a sexualencounter.Sending such a text messagewould constitute sexualconduct. Is all pbysicalcontact sexualin nature? No. Legitimate nonsexual touching or conductgenerallywill not be considered sexualharassment. However,it may rise to that level if it takeson sexual connotations. Example: A high school athletic coachhugs a srudent who makesa goal.This by itself is not consideredsexual conduct. However, a coach'shugging of a student could be consideredsexualconduct if it is unwelcomeand occurs under,inappropriatecircumstances. LVhat thesexualconduct criminal in nature? if is Sexualharassment includesconductthat is criminal in nature, such as rape,sexualassault,dating violence,and sexuallymotivated stalking.Even if a schoolreportspossiblecriminal conduct to the police,that doesnot relievethe schoolof its responsibilities under Title lX,which are discussed Part Two. in
  • 10. Must thesexualconduct unwelcorne? be Yes.Conduct is considered unwelcomeif the studentdid not requestor invite it and considered conductto be undesirable the or offensive. The ageof the student,the nature of the conduct, and other relevantfactors affectwhether a student was capable of welcoming the sexual conduct.A student's submission the to conduct or failure to complain doesnot alwaysmean that the conductwaswelcome. F-xample1: A middle school student makesoffensivesexual jokes to another student,but the student doesnot object to the jokes or speakout againstthem.The student'sfailure to object doesnot mean that he or shehaswelcomedthe comments- F-nample2:A femalehigh schoolstudentwillingly kissesa male studenton one occasion. When the student subsequently attemptsto kiss her again,sheobjects, he but kisses anyway. her This subsequent is considered be kiss to unwelcomedespitethe welcomeness the first kiss. of Wbendoes sexualconduct "denyor limit a student ability to participate in or beneftfrom a scbool'seducationprogram?" Two generaltypesof sexual conductcan deny or limit a student's ability to participatein or benefit from a schoolt program.As discussed below,teachers and other schoolemployees engage can in either type of conduct,while studentsand third partiescan engage only one type. in One form of sexual harassment occurswhen a teacheror other schoolemployee conditionsan educational decisionor benefit on the student'ssubmission unwelcomesexual to conduct.If this
  • 11. occurs,it doesnot matter whether the student resistsand suffers the threatenedharm or submits to and avoidsthe threatenedharm. Sexualharassmentalso occurswhen a teacher,school employee, other student,or third party qeatesa hostile environment that is sufficiently seriousto deny or limit a student'sability to participate in or benefit from the school'sprogram.Whether such a hostile environment has been createddependson the particular circumstances the incident(s).Relevantconsiderations of include, but are not limited to: ' how much of an adverseeffect the conduct had on the studendseducationl ' the type, frequency,or duration ofthe conduct; ' the iddntiry age,andsex the harasser(s) the victim(s), of and and the relationship betweenthem; ' the number of individuals who engagedin the harassing conduct and atwhom the harassment was directed; ' the sizeof the school,locationof the incidents,and contextin which they occurred;and ' whether other incidents occurredat the school involving different students.
  • 12. The conductdoesnot necessarily haveto be repetitive. If sufficientlysevere, singleor isolatedincidentsCancreatea hostile environment. Example 1: Throughout the school year,Student A repeatedlypasses sexuallyexplicit photographsto Student B during class.Thephotographs are offensiveto Student B, and, consequently, Student B is unable to concentrate during classor focus on the subject.Student A has created a hostile environment that limits Student B's ability to participate in the class. Ellample 2: A high school student sexuallyassaulted another high school student on one occasionwhen the two were alone in a classroom. a result, the victim is As afnid of attending any classes coming into contact with or the harasser. Although this was an isolated incident, it is sufficiently severe create,a to hostile environment. Canyoung school cbildrenengage sexualltarassment? in Schoolpersonnelshouldconsiderthe ageand maturity of studentsin respondingto allegations ofsexual harassment. When determiningwhether a young child hascommitted sexual harassment, is important for teachers it and schooladministrators to usegoodjudgment and common sense. Example 1: On one occasion,a first-grade student kisses gr"tb"lfirst-grade student on the cheekin the playground. This behavior doesnot constitute sexualharassmentl
  • 13. Example 2zOn numerousoccasions over a period of severalmonths, a fifth-grade student inappropriately touchesanother fifth-grade student and makesoverdy sexualcomments and gesturesto that student.The conduct is unwelcome and resultsin the victim's gradesfalling because or she is unable to concentrateon studying.This he behavior constitutessexualharassment. Are gay and lesbianstudents protectedfromsexualharassment? Title IX prohibits harassingconduct that is of a sexualnature if it is unwelcomeand deniesor limits a student'sability to participate in or benefit from a school's program,regardless whether the of harassment aimed gayor lesbianstudentsor is perpetrated is by ^t individualsof the sameor oppositesex.Title.IX doesnot address discriminationor other issues relatedto sexual orientation. Example 1: Throughout football season, male member a of the high school football team makesunwelcomesexual advances toward another member of the football team. who is a homosexualmale.As a result,the victim quits the football team.This conduct is sexualin nature,unwelcome, and has denied the victim the ability to participate on the school,football team.This is sexualharassmentcoveredbv Title IX. Example 2: Studentsheckle another student with comments that are basedon the studentb sexualorientation but are not sexualin nature (r.g.,"g y studentsare not welcome at this table in the lunch roorrt'').Even if these comments are unwelcomeand deny the student'sability to benefit from br participate in the school'seducation program,the conduct is not sexual,and this is not sexual harassmentcoveredby Title IX. 8
  • 14. PartTwo: Responding to SexualFlarassment Hora shoulda school respondwhen it receiwes information about aIIege sexuaI lt aras ment ? d s If a student,his or her parent,or a responsibleemployee reports the harassment, a schoolemployee or observes harassment, the the schoolshouldinform the harassed student(and the student's parent dependingon the student'sage)of the options for formal and informal action and of the school's responsibilities, which are discussed below.Resardless whether the victim files a formal of complaint or r.q.r.ri, action,the schoolmust conducta prompt, impartial, and thorough investigationto determinewhat happened and must take appropriatestepsto resolve situation. the If other sources,suchas a witnessto the incident,an anonymous letter or phone call,or the media,report the harassment, the schoolshould respondin the samemannerdescribed aboveif it is reasonable the schoolto conductan investigationand the for schoolcan confirm the allegations. Considerations relevantto this determinationmay include,but are not limited to, the: ' sourceand natureof the information: ' seriousness the allegedincident; of ' specificityof the information; ' objectivityand credibility of the sourcethat madethe report; ' ability to identify the allegedvictims; and ' cooperationfrom the allegedvictims in pursuingthe matter. What if the victim requests confdentiality or asksthat the complaint not bepursued? The schoolshould take all reasonable stepsto investigateand respondto the complaint in a manner consistent with a requestfor confidentialityfrom a student.If a studentinsiststhat his or her
  • 15. name not be disclosedto the harasser, school'sability to respond the maybg limited.The schoolalsomust consider responsibility its to provide a safeand nondiscriminatory environment for all students. Thus,the schoolmust weigh the confidentialityrequestagainstthe following factors: ' seriousness the alleged of harassment; 'age ofthe harassed student; and ' other complaintsthat the sameindividual hasharassed others. Elrample A female elementaryschool student describes an incident to her teacherthat involved another teacherforcing her to engagein sexualactivity.The student begsthe teacher to not tell anybodywhathappened.This a situationin is which the school'sduty to provide all studentswith a safe environment might outweigh the student'srequest. Additionally stateor local lawsmay requireschools report incidents to to the police. Doesa school bawe doanytbing aboutsexual to ltarassment aparticular if incidentis not reported theschool? to If the harasser a teacheror anotherschoolemployee is and if the harassment occurswhile the schoolemployeeis acting,or reasonably apperys be acting,in rhe contextof his or her responsibilities to to provideaid,benefits, and services students, schoolis directly to the responsible and must remedythe harassment for regardless ofwhether the schoolknew or shouldhaveknown that the incident occurred. If the harasser anotherstudent,a third party,ora schoolemployee is who is n9t acjrfg within the contextof hii or her responsibiJity to provideaid,benefits, services students, or to then the schooiis responsible investigatilg the conduct and taking appropriatesteps for to resolvethe situation onlywhen it knows or should hive known that the harassment occurred. l0
  • 16. Example: It is well-known to studentsand staffthat graffiti of a sexualnature appears the sidesof on buildings throughout a school'scampusin plain sight. The pervasiveness this harassmentmay be enough to of conclude that the school should have known that the harassment occurred.If so,then the schoolis responsible for investigating and respondingto the harassment regardless whether it receiveda specificcomplaint about of the graffiti What actions,if any, shouldschools while inaestigatinga take complaint? It maybe necessary schoolsto take interim measures for during the investigation of a complaint. For instance,if a student alleges harassment anotherstudent,the schoolmay keepthosestudents by separated until the investigation complete. a teacheris the is If allegedharasser, may be appropriatefor the str-rdent transfer to it to anotherclass. It is a good practice for schoolsto keep the student who alleged the harassment informed of the statusof the investigation. What does school a haoeto do once inaestigationis complete? the The schoolmust notify the victim (and his or her parents depending on the ageof the victim) of the outcome of its investigationand of anypunishments imposedthat directly relate to the victim, suchas an order for the harasser stay awayftom to the victim. If the schooldetermines that a studentwas sexually harassed, the school must take reasonable, prompt, age-appropriate,and effective action to end the harassmentand prevent it from happening againto the victim or to others.If the schoolfails to do so,it must remedy the effectsof the harassment the victim that could have on beenavoided ifthe schoolhad responded prompdyand effectively. 11
  • 17. In addition, if the harasser a schoolemployee is and if the harassment occurswhile the employee acting,or reasonably is appears be acting, to in the contextof carryingout his or her responsibiJities provide to aid,benefits,and services, schoolmust remedythe effectsof the the harassment the victim. on Erample 1: A teachersexuallyharasses eighth-gradestudent an in the schoolhallway.Thestudentis not in any of the teacher's classes the teacheris not a hall monitor. However,in light of and the 4geand educational levelofthe studentand the statusand degreeofinfluence ofteachersin secondary the schools, student could reasonablvbelieve the teacherhad at leastinformal that disciplinaryu.rtjrority orr.r him or her.Therefore, conduct this is considered haveoccurredin the contextofthe teac-her's to responsibilityto provide aid,benefits,and services students, to and thus the schoolmust remedythe effectsof the harassment in addition to stoppingit and prlventing it from recurting. E><ample A faculty memberof a university's 2: history departmentrepeatedly, overseveralweeks, touclresand makes sexually suggestive remarksto a femalegraduateengineering studentwhile waiting for the universityshutdebus,riding on the bus,and exiting the bus.As a result,the studentstopsusing the bu$and walftsthe long distances betweenher classes.This conductoccurredoutsideof the contextof the faculty member's dutiesto provide aid,benefits,or services the student,and to thus the schoolis not requiredto remedythe effectsof the harassment. However,ifthe schoolfails to take reasonable and efFective action to end the harassment after it hasreceived notice of the harassment, schoolmust remedythe efibctsof the the harassment that could havebeenavoidedifthe schoolhad responded promptly and effectively. t2
  • 18. What are someexamples oftbe stEs a scbool shouldtake to end barassment prevent itfrom ltappening and again? The appropriatestepsshould be tailored to the specificsituation.For example, schoolmay needto developand publicize new policies the or conduct training. Depending on the natureand severityof the harassment, counseling, discipline,or further separation the victim of and harasser y be necessary. m Responsive measuresshould be designedto minimize the burden on the victim asmuch aspossible. the schoolkinitial response If does not stop the harassmentand preventit from happeningagain,the school may needto take additional,strongermeasures. What are someexamples hozoa school remedy efectsof of can the sexualharassment? If the school is required to remedy the effectsof the harassment on the victim, the rypesof action requiredwill vary dependingon the circumstances. Example 1: A collegeprofessorsexually harassed student a in his or her classin the context of the professor's duty to provide services the student.Consequendy, student to the was unable to concentrateduring classand did not learn the coursematerial.To remedythe effectsof the harassment, the schoolmay be requiredto take suchactionsas: . arrangingfor an independentassessment theof student'swork . xrungjng for the student to take the courseagain with a different instructor; ' providing tutoring; . making tuition adjustments; or . offering reimbursements professional for counseling. t3
  • 19. Example 2: A high.schoolstudent informs the school another srudent .tu* l,r, l..o r;*"11il;;il;""' that ; i:l avoid ,h"i;;;;" hirn, *: ti j!::.r,: rare.lrsa result, shehasmissed coming class ro some pop quizies.If the schooldelays response this complaint its to victim suffers andthe additionaieffects orirr. i."russment, missingadditional suchas p"p qurn;;;;; shehasto continue .gTing to classlate,the schoot *urtL*.ayrt. of the harassment couldnil;;;; that "d;;;,'*" pr;.";J;f;;; responded ::1"":ll1apqropriate promptly *nb.tir,.ly. this re.medy una In :":",,.": mayinclud. ..r.h actionsas calculating student's the gradewithout a""rirg i; rh"-" student's failureto taketfr. quirrrE,rJ"* the student opportuniryrake qi;,rr,;. ;;;d;;fo, to in.- n^1^.: mdependentassessment the srudent,s u' of work. t4
  • 20. PartThree: Reporting and preventing sexual Harassment Whoshouldre?ort incidentsof sexualharassment? AlFo-dl who sees sexualharassment occur shouldreport it; the individual neednot be the victim of the harassmenr. Schools should ensurethat employees clearlyunderstand extentof their the responsibilities reporting sexual for harassment. Tb ushomshoulda wictim or otherindiaidual reporttbe harassment? The harassment shouldbe reportedto a responsible school employee, suchas a teacher, principal,faculiy member, administrator, security officer,uffir-utirr. u.iion oficer, or professional staffmemberin the office of studentaffaiis. Additionally, as every school must have a Titre-rxcoordinator, the harassment be reportedto this individual aswell. can A.t*9."j,pjr1nt, or other individual alsomay file a complaint y]t!_the u.s. Department of Education's ofice for civil'Rights (OCR), asexplained below. what if the harasserthreatens retaliateagainstthe nictim if be or to shereportsthe incident? Title IX alsoprotects studentsfrom retaliation.The school must take stepsto prevent the allegedharasser anybody or elseat the school from retaliating againit the victim. s,r.fr ,,.p, i".r"a. informing students that lXprotects them from retaliation, making-surethat victimslitte how to report any future problems, know follow-up inquiries to seeif ihere t,irr. U."rr'urryrr.* .an{ Sakin_g incidents.It alsomay be appropriate counser to the harasse, to ensurethat he or she,.rnderstands retaliationis prohibited.If that retaliationoccurs, schoolshouldtake strong responsive the actions. 15
  • 21. What procedures must a schoolhatte in place to prewent sexual harassment and resolvecomplaints ? Every school must: ' issue a policy against sex discrimination; a adopt and publicize grievance procedures; and have a Title IX coordinator. What aregrieaance procedures? Grievanceprocedures internal schoolprocedures are that address violationsof a schooi's policy againstdiscrimination,including sexualharassment. Grievanceprocedures must providefor prompt and equitableresolutionof complaintsof sexdiscrimination. The schoolshould make surethat its policy againstsex discriminationand grievance procedures widely distributed and are easilyunderstoodby students, parentsof elementaryand secondary schoolstudents, and employees. a minimum, studentsmust At know that the grievanceprocedure exists, know how it works, and know how to file a complaint.When a studentor parent reports sexualharassment, schoolshould explainhow its grievance the procedures work and offer the studentor parent the opportunity to usethem. If a studentor parentchooses not usethe school's to grievance procedures, doesnot relievethe schoolof its responsibilities that to investigateand take appropriateaction,asexplainedabovein PartTwo. WhatdoestbeTidelX coordinator do? The Title IX coordinatoris responsible coordinatinga school's for efforts to complywith and carry out its Title IXresponsibilities. Every schoolmust havea Title -IXcoordinator.Title lXcoordinators must haveadequate training in sexualharassment and must be able to explain the operationof the school'sgrievance procedure. t6
  • 22. Housdo I knouswho my school's is? Title IX coordinator Every schoolmust notify all studentsand employees the name, of office address, telephonenumber of its Title lXcoordinator(s). and taketopreaent sexualharassment? What othersteps a school can OCR's experience showsthat the best way for a school to deal with sexualharassment to prevent it from occurring in the first is place.In addition to the requirements explained above(well- publicized nondiscrimination policy,grievance procedures, and Title IX coordinator),a school may take a number of other steps to preventharassment. For example, schoolmay conductperiodic sexual a harassment awareness training for all schoolstafl including administrators, teachers, guidancecounselors, age-appropriate and and sexual harassment The training can include training for students. information on the rypesof conductthat will be considered sexual harassment and the rangeof possibleconsequences, damage the that resultsfrom harassment, where studentscan find help,waysto opposeharassment, what to do about it. and to What is OCR, and hozudoI report incidentsof sexualharassment that ofice? OCR is the federalagencyresponsible ensuringthat schools for comply with Title IX and other federal civil rights laws. One of OCR's responsibilities to resolve is complaintsof discrimination, including sexual harassment complaints. OCR has L2 enforcementofices locatedthroughout the country that carry out this responsibility. An individual who wishesto file a complaintwith OCR should do so by contactingthe enforcement office responsible the statein for which that schoolis located. find out which office is responsible To for your stateand how to contactthem, cali 1-800-42L-3487or t7
  • 23. check OCR'' Web site.at http://www.ed.govlocr. complaint must be fiJedwithin Generally,the rso a."^ of the date of the incident. and parentsarenor required *9:1" to usea school,s grievance proceduresbeforefiling a compliantwith OCR where canr get rnoreinlformation about a schoo,s responsib,itiesto address preoent sexualbarassrnent? and Pleaseread ocR's Rerisedsexual HarassrnentGuidance: Harassment of Studentsby Scbool Emptoyrrr,,Oiirl{ndents, or availableotr-thr Deoartment's Third parties, web site at http://www.ed,.gov/ocr/ publications.html fr"- "i OCn."f"*ement office. ""y 18
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