Sexual Harassment* shall be defined as any behavior that causes undue trouble, worry, or discomfort.  The deciding factor is whether a particular phrase, gesture, or behavior is unwelcome by the student receiving it or witnessing it.

*Harassment means any intimidating or disrespectful action, word, or gesture.  Sexual harassment is illegal and violates state and federal law.

Types of sexual harassment include:

Written sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to: letters, notes, invitations, or drawings of a sexual nature.  This also refers to computer messages of a sexual nature.

Verbal sexual harassment means offensive words and comments, spoken privately to a person or in front of others.  Examples include, but are not limited to: comments about a person’s body, name calling, sexual jokes, using sexual orientation as an insult, sexual suggestions, or spreading rumors about a person of a sexual nature.

Nonverbal sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: making gestures of a sexual nature, writing a person’s name along with a sexual remark, facial expressions (winking or kissing), suggestive looks, leering or staring at another’s body, gesturing, or displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, posters or magazines.

Physical sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to: any pats, squeezes, touching, pinching, repeatedly brushing up against another’s body, assault, or blocking movement.

With this in mind, students are prohibited from engaging in public displays of affection on school property.

Reporting procedure:

Any student who thinks he or she has been the victim of sexual harassment should report the conduct to a teacher, counselor, teacher’s aide, assistant principal, or principal.

Recommendations for students:

1. Tell the harasser directly to stop.

2. Report it immediately.

Any person coming forward in good faith will be free from any retaliation.