HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS
Harassment of students because of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry or
national origin, or disability is prohibited. Such conduct is a violation of
Board policy and may constitute illegal discrimination under state and federal
laws.
Harassment
Harassment includes but is not limited to verbal abuse based on race, color,
sex, religion, ancestry or national origin, or disability. Harassment that rises
to the level of physical assault/ battery/abuse is also addressed in the Board
policy JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors or pressure to engage in sexual activity, physical
contact of a sexual nature, gestures, comments, or other physical, written or
verbal conduct that is gender-based that interferes with a student’s education.
School employees, fellow students, volunteers and visitors to the school, and
other persons with whom students may interact in order to pursue school
activities are required to refrain from such conduct.
Harassment/sexual harassment of students by school employees is considered
grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.
Harassment/sexual harassment of students by other students is considered grounds
for disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. The Superintendent will
determine appropriate sanctions for harassment of students by persons other than
school employees and students.
The Principal, Superintendent or the employee designated as the Title IX
Coordinator will investigate complaints of harassment in accordance with the
complaint procedure. School employees, students, and parents shall be informed
of this policy/procedure through handbooks/ other means selected by the school
administration.
Legal Reference: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681,
et seq,)
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000(d))
5 MRSA §§ 4602; 4681 et seq.
20 MRSA § 6553
Cross Reference: AC-R/ACAA-R/ACAB-R—Procedures
DATE ADOPTED: July 1, 2003