HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS
Harassment of students is prohibited. Such conduct is a violation of School Committee 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, sexual orientation or disability.
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 Superintendent, or designee, will investigate complaints of harassment in accordance with the Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students Complaint Procedure. School employees, students, and parents shall be informed of this policy/procedure through handbooks and/other means selected by the school administration.
Legal Reference: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20USC Sec1681, et seq.)
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC Sec 2000(d))
5 MRSA Sec 4602; 4681 et seq.
20 MRSA Sec 6553
Cross Reference: AC Non Discrimination/Equal Opportunity
ACAA-R Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students Complaint Procedure
Adopted: March 15, 2001
Revised: March 14, 2017